Page 28 of When a Highlander Vows
She waited long enough against the wall to see Archie leave, and a little later, a servant and Paige entered. Paige looked smug and smiling, and Caitlin was reminded of how pretty the lass was. Even a little blurry, the woman was striking. Suddenly, an odd feeling like jealousy tugged at her belly.
Could the Laird and Paige—
Stepping out from her hiding place, she watched the door for a few seconds. The servant popped out, and she stepped back again, and he nodded to her on his way. But Paige remained. Alone. With the door shut.
Perhaps that was the real reason he pulled away from the kiss, she pondered.He has another lover.
It was completely understandable that he should be with Paige, the young and bonnie healer in the castle. But then why should he kiss her like a man hungry with unslaked desire?
She turned away, her eyes smarting, reminding herself that he was a skilled man whom no doubt had been with many women already in his time. He certainly knew how to kiss to make a lady’s knees go weak until she was clasping hold of him just to stay steady. He also knew how to look at a woman so that her insides turned molten, and her body yearned toward him. He was quite adept at all those things. Only she was the fool forputting a bit of her heart into it, thinking she might have been special.
“Caitlin!” a cheery voice called, and she looked up from her feet to see a woman walking toward her along the passage. From the voice, she assumed it was Sarah. “How are ye farin’ this fine day?”
When Sarah stood right in front of her, Caitlin smiled. Sarah was wearing a serviceable work outfit of thick wool, and she was carrying a basket as she approached Caitlin. It hung on the crook of her arm pushed aside by her pregnant belly.
“I am bringing the wood around to the fireplaces. Archie does nae approve, but I refuse to be put into a room with me feet up for the next little while. I will die of boredom.” Sarah chuckled, her whole face lighting up.
“I am very well, thank ye. I have just been by the sea today, and I was lookin’ into the library, but I was interrupted on me way out.”
“Och, I see. Well, let me finish with this, and then ye, me, and Colin can take a wander in the healin’ garden. If ye’re nae busy.”
Laughing, Caitlin shook her head. “I am in a home nae me own. What could busy me here?”
Sarah’s eyes trailed to the study door, and then she said, “Plenty,” with a wicked look on her face.
Caitlin flushed instantly, worried that somehow someone had seen her and Lucas kissing out by the sea.
It was too far, surely, for anyone to have seen us. Nae that I would exactly ken.
With a stammer, she said, “I daenae ken what ye mean.”
“Och, aye. Of course.” Sarah winked, and then looked at the door again, seeing Paige emerge.
Caitlin turned to see the young woman, and they all greeted each other. But Paige’s tone was flat and unhappy. Even her footsteps had a mood as she stalked away.
Whispering, Sarah said, “Paige has always had a soft spot for the Laird, ever since she came here a few years back. Hopes he might make her an offer. He’s never shown an interest, however, and he keeps away from her most times. But it seems she will nae give up.” Sarah chuckled. “Come now. Walk with me. We can talk everythin’ over.”
A few hours later, pleasantly tired from her day, Caitlin came to dinner. Lottie was on her own, and when Caitlin entered the hall, her face broke into a wide smile.
“Me dear! We dinnae get a chance to take tea. When ye returned, I was restin’. Forgive me. Some days I must rest, or I will nae make it until dinner!” Lottie sighed and squeezed Caitlin’s hand.
“Ye are nae ill, I hope?” Caitlin asked, a little worried that the kind woman would soon be gone, and Caitlin would be left on her own.
“Och, nay. ‘Tis just old age. And sometimes, the concoctions I must take for me joints make me a bit tired.”
“Paige makes them for ye?” Caitlin asked, sliding into a chair.
“Aye. She is very skilled in mixing the right teas and poultices. Her garden is a healin’ garden, indeed. I have gained much from the plants growin’ there.”
“I am glad for ye.” A servant came to pour the wine, and Lottie looked out the door.
“I have gone to look for me grandson, but I dinnae find him in his chamber.”
The servant cleared her throat. “Forgive me, Lady, but the Laird has requested to take his meal in his study this eve.”
“Does he now?” Lottie said, lifting a brow and tapping a fingertip on the table. “Very well. I am too hungry to go and argue with him. Ye may bring the food.”
“Aye, Lady. But I am also meant to tell ye of his plans to travel tomorrow. To deal with the skirmishes on the border. He will be gone for some days.”
