Page 6 of The Eagle

“With so many to feed and see after, we will have a lot of work for the next few days,” Greer informed them.

The woman’s bright eyes told that she didn’t mind one bit.

“Ye love it when we have visitors,” Finella said with a roll of her eyes. “I do not understand ye mum.”

“It is our calling to see after the laird’s family and their visitors. Why should we not be glad?” Greer replied and then spoke to Cait. “Unfortunately, ye will have to remain here tonight and possibly tomorrow as well.”

Cait’s mind immediately went to home. There wasn’t any way she could send word. Her mother would fret, but she also knew at times Cait had to work long hours. Hopefully, she wouldn’t worry overmuch.

Greer continued, “The visiting Maclean men will be housed with our guards, which means ye should be able to stay away from them.”

When duties were given, Cait and Cora were assigned the great hall. Her heart sank at realizing she’d have to face the dreadful man who’d come with the Maclean, again.

“I prefer serving,” Cora said and held up a bandaged arm. “Burns hurt.”

Once the meal and preparation assignments were given, Cait hurried outside to the garden to fetch turnips that would accompany the roasted lamb.

Just as she walked out, she noted that a man paced beside the garden gate. It was Stuart Ross and he seemed to be deep in thought. Cait tried to figure out how she could get around him and into the garden without bothering him.

As if sensing her, he looked up.

“I must go into the garden,” she said pointing to the gate.

He frowned for a moment, as if not quite understanding. Then upon noting he blocked her progress, opened the gate, and motioned for Cait to enter.

To her shock, he followed. “I spoke to Liam Maclean and made it clear we do not tolerate that kind of behavior. He will not bother ye again.”

Her breath stopped and she could barely swallow. “Ye spoke to him for me? Ye should not have bothered. It is most… kind. Thank ye, Mister Stuart.”

When his lips curved, she couldn’t look away. Stuart Ross was incredibly handsome, with shoulder-length dark wavy hair, long lashes, and the familiar Ross hazel eyes.

“Ye do not have to thank me.” He looked to the garden. “What are ye going to serve me to eat?”

The question was asked as if she were to cook for him. The intimate way he phrased it made her face heat immediately. “Turnips. Greer is making roasted lamb with turnips.”

He made a face. “I do not care for turnips. But do not dare tell Greer.” He walked out of the garden, carefully closing the small gate behind him.

Cait stood rooted to the spot her gaze glued to his retreating back.

The interaction had been quite strange. Had he been waiting to speak to her? Why would a man of his standing take time to come and inform her of a conversation he’d had with someone of the same? Although she was new to life in the keep, Cait knew enough to realize this was most unusual.

She looked to the window and met Greer’s gaze and for a moment Cait froze, unsure what to do. It was hard to decipher Greer’s look. Hopefully, it didn’t mean she’d be scolded for conversing with the laird’s brother.

This was most troubling. All she wanted to do was work, earn a wage, and take care of her family. It would be best to try to avoid any contact with men at the keep from now on, other than her brother.

Deep in thought, she lowered to her knees and dug up the turnips along with one large potato.

When she entered the kitchen with the items in her apron, Greer motioned to the table and tapped Finella’s shoulder. “Be a dear, peel and cut them into evenly sized pieces.”

Greer’s alert gaze met Cait’s. “Was there a problem with Mister Stuart?”

Cait shook her head. “He asked if he could have something other than turnips.”

Greer chuckled. “He thinks I do not know he dislikes them. I had hoped he would learn to.”

Relieved when Greer did not ask anything more, Cait hurried about her tasks managing to avoid most of the people in the keep until finished.

At least meal, she and Cora served those in the great room. Along with the guests, there were only a few others present. And though it was none of her concern—since what happened between the lairds had little to do with the servants—the air in the room was subdued.