Page 32 of The Eagle

“I suppose ye can speak to him later.”

“About what?”

There was a rapid knock at the door, followed by the laird appearing. He looked to the bed and then to her and his mother. “How is he faring?”

“He is asleep,” Lady Mariel said. “I suppose it means he is well. I brought Cait so she could talk to him. Perhaps convince him against the nonsense he was going on about.”

“That is not our concern. I do agree they should discuss it in private, but it must be on their terms,” Darach Ross said and gave Cait an apologetic look. “Mother, let us leave them be for a while.”

The pair left, leaving her standing in the middle of Stuart’s bedchamber without any idea what she was supposed to do. What was it she and Stuart had to discuss?

“This is ridiculous,” she said nearing the bed and looking down at the slumbering man. He was without a tunic, the bedcovers up across his chest. She poked at his shoulder with one finger, and he barely moved.

“What do they wish us to talk about? I know ye are betrothed—or were. And for whatever reason, yer family thinks ye plan to court me. Ye must wake and set things right.”

His eyes flew open, and he met hers for a long moment. “Ye are so very beautiful.”

Unsure if he was in his right mind, Cait nodded. “Thank ye. What is it we are to speak about?”

When his eyes fluttered shut, she waited. Then he let out a long sigh. “I want to be with ye Cait. To get to know ye better. Do ye wish the same?” His gaze held questions as he gave her a questioning look. “I do not have much to offer.”

Despite the situation, Cait chuckled. “Ye are the laird’s brother. How can ye say that? Once ye are recovered perhaps we can finish this discussion.”

He nodded. “I am not sure what to do.”

“Ye should listen to yer heart. I think ye are an amazing man Mister Stuart.”

“Do not call me that. Call me Stuart, Cait.” It was as if he could not keep his eyes open. “My Cait.”

His head lolled to the side as he fell asleep. Cait wondered if he would remember the conversation. Probably not.

Reaching out with trembling fingers, she touched the side of his face. His skin was cool to the touch. “I wish I could believe what ye said.”

She eyed an oversized chair that had a blanket thrown over one arm. It was too alluring to pass up. No one, except for the laird and his mother, knew where she was. If she took a short nap, no one would be the wiser.

Her lips curved as she curled up on the soft cushion, pulled the cover over herself, and promptly fell into a deep slumber.

When she woke, Cait realized how deeply she slept because not only was it dark outside, but Caelan sat in a chair close to the bed speaking to Stuart in low tones.

Cait had to press her lips together not to gasp. Could it be neither of them knew she was there? No. They knew. Hence the whispering.

Cait closed her eyes tightly, pretending to continue sleeping.

“I think ye should decide what it is ye wish to do,” Caelan said. “If ye feel as if it is time for a change, do not allow anyone or anything to stop ye.”

It sounded as if Stuart wanted to do something but was being held back. Cait wished with all her might not to hear any more of the conversation that was not meant for her ears.

“Lennox Maclean is sending his sister here. She wishes to learn about ledgers and such. It will be ye that spends time teaching her,” Stuart said. “I do not wish to meet the lass and do something that can ruin relations with the new laird.”

Caelan murmured a reply that Cait could not make out. She waited a few beats and pretended to wake by yawning loudly and stretching. She slid clumsily to her feet. “I apologize for falling asleep. I was to look after ye.” She gave them a quick glance. “I will see about something for ye to eat.”

“I am not hungry…”

She hurried from the room before Stuart finished the sentence.

The great hall was quiet, most of the injured were asleep. Thankfully the only ones about were the healer and his assistant.

Cait walked past them and headed to the servant’s quarters. Once inside the safety of the tiny room, she melted into the only chair and bowed her head.