Page 30 of When a Highlander Vows
“Well, ye cannae have them. They are used for baths and salves.” Paige’s eyes were fiery, and Caitlin stood slowly, gathering Colin’s hand.
“Of course nae. I wouldnae dream of takin’ them unless ye gave yer permission. It is nae me garden after all.”
“Aye, well, that is good ye ken that.” Paige looked uncomfortable and yet still angry.
“Paige, are ye sick? Ye are lookin’ red,” Colin said innocently, and Paige shook her head.
“Nay. Now, move along, I have work to dae. The both of ye.” She pushed past them, and Caitlin watched the woman fade away among the trees and shrubberies.
“Well, Colin, we’d better go. How about we go and play hide and seek in the main hall?”
“Aye,” he cried, racing ahead, pulling her along with him as she laughed.
Yes, she could get used to a life so full as this. She didn’t feel as much of a burden now. She helped Sarah with her work andplayed with Colin when Sarah needed to rest. Her time would be coming along in a few weeks, and Caitlin felt needed again.
An hour later, she was in her chamber, fatigued by the day of activity. Lottie had been kind enough to provide her with paper and ink so that she could write to her friends. Lottie also said she could invite Rachel and Mary to the feast for her arrival.
Caitlin sat down at a small wooden table and began to write. It had taken her some time to learn both reading and writing, but it was worth it. She’d given that gift to Rachel, even if Rachel put a stop to any further learning because of her strict father. So, she wrote in small enough words so that Rachel would not struggle too much to understand.
Perhaps when Rachel comes, she can teach me more about what it is to be taken by a man,Caitlin thought wickedly, her muscles warming considerably at the thought.
It was only when alone that she thought of Lucas and their kiss by the sea. It grew even more passionate in her dreams, and she often woke in the middle of the night, drowning in need, wishing he might touch her just once more.
But in the light of day, she chastised herself for her foolishness. Returning her focus to her letter, she finished it, and then taking it up, left the chamber, handing it to a servant passing by. Now that she knew the castle better, she could walk on her own, even if it took just a little bit more time.
“Please send this to the MacLennan house in the village of Taobh Cnuic.” She knew that Rachel would still be going there, having been given the message from Lucas’ men that money would be coming and that the house would not be sold or taken down.
When the message had been sent, Caitlin walked to the library. It had become a habit of hers in the last four days to spend her afternoon time there. She would be alone, but the books would distract her from any dangerous and warming thoughts.
It was a wonderful place. Books of all shapes and sizes packed into hard wooden shelves along the stone wall. A fire was always in the hearth, and Caitlin found the room to be the most comforting and welcoming room in the castle. Sitting down in the chair, she found the book she’d been reading over the past days, and she set it in her lap, beginning to read.
But for some reason, the words would not stick. Writing Rachel had brought up the memories of Seamus. His smile, his eyes, the way he smelled when he embraced her after a long journey. He was the one who had found Rachel as companion. He had also taught Caitlin to read, not thinking it too lowly for a woman to learn. Every turn of a page reminded her of him and the great gift he’d given her.
A tear fell down her cheek, and as she wiped it away, she heard someone clear their throat at the door. Looking up, she saw a man walking toward her.
“Lass, are ye all right?” a familiar voice asked, the sound heading straight for her bones.
Lucas had come home.
Lucas stood in the doorway for a few seconds, watching as Caitlin cried silently to herself in the library, looking down at a book. He’d just returned from his trip, and on his way to his study, he noted that the library door was open.
Caitlin truly was a sight for sore eyes, and when he saw her again, all the strange feelings that had arisen after their kiss came rushing back. Even dealing with skirmishes for days did little to quell the desire he felt for her. The need to keep her safe.
He shut the door behind him and strode into the room, drawn to her like a cord was tied between them. “Lass, are ye all right?” he asked, and Caitlin’s head whipped up to stare at him with her moist light-brown eyes.
“Aye,” she said, sniffling and hurriedly wiping her cheeks. “Ye have returned.”
“Aye.” He got close enough so that she could see him, and he knelt down in front of her chair so that they’d be eye to eye.
Fatigued and sore from a long ride, Lucas was doing what he had promised not to do again. Getting close to Caitlin.
She laughed lightly. “I suppose I forget that others can see far. I thought I was quite hidden with my tears here in the library.”
The corner of his mouth turned up, and going against his logical impulse, he reached out to brush a tear aside with his thumb. She breathed in, and their eyes met. The moment with the kiss came back like fire through his blood and in his memory. It was as if it had just happened, and his eyes glanced at her mouth but only briefly.
“Tell me, Lass,” he croaked, trying to rein in his desire as he pulled his hand away and sat in the chair across from her. “Why dae ye cry?” His chest ached.
If it was because she had been forced to stay in the castle, then he would have to consider taking her home. If living with him made her that miserable, he could not bear it. To see Caitlin cry was like watching the sun fade into darkness. It hurt like nothing else.
