Page 34 of When a Highlander Vows
“Nay! I mean aye, but—” Caitlin was stammering. “It was only because I was upset, about me brother. He thought I should rest. He was very kind, in truth.” Caitlin pressed her lips together, not wanting to say anymore.
When she said it aloud, it did sound as though Lucas had done something untoward. When in fact, he’d done quite the opposite. She’d been surprised at how kind and gentle he’d been.
With a soft chuckle, Lottie pulled Caitlin closer, and they kept walking. “I am glad to hear that. Despite what he may think of himself, the boy has goodness in him. I have seen it many times, especially when he was a boy. But he likes to hide it now, now that he is grown and a laird. Perhaps it is somethin’ a man likesto dae. What was yer brother like when it was just ye and he? I met him here many times, but one is nae the same with others as they are with their family.”
Caitlin thought back. “Me brother was the kindest soul there was, even if he was tryin’ to play father to me often. He felt bad that we’d lost our parents, and he wanted to protect me in every way he kenned how. He never had a harsh word for me, even if we were upset with each other.” Smiling, she thought of her brother’s face.
Soon, she knew it would fade from memory, but for now, she could hold onto it.
“Are ye nae a lucky lass?” Lottie said. “Now, I hope we can be just as good a family to ye, love.”
Ye have already begun.
17
Lucas didn’t waste any time the next day. After he saw his grandmother start to walk with Caitlin outside of the castle, he left, riding Searbas to the church not far, down in the valley to the east of the castle. There was a chapel in the castle as well, but the minister enjoyed his solitude in the church below, and it was closer to the nearest village.
As he rode in, the minister stepped out from the doorway, and looked up at Lucas with a smile. He wasn’t much older than Lucas, and the blasted man was always trying to get Lucas to attend church, but Lucas was perfectly content staying at home. Sometimes, he would sit in the chapel at home, but it only made him think of his parents.
“Well, Laird McDougall! What a pleasure and a pleasant surprise!” The minister kept grinning as he walked closer, his black hair tied back with a bit of leather. He wore long robes, but his face was so young, it seemed an odd mixture.
“I thought ye might think so, Minister MacMillan,” Lucas said wryly.
He jumped down from Searbas and felt a little gratified that he stood a bit taller than the minister. The man could continue to spew his words of attempting to bring Lucas back to the church, but Lucas knew he could silence him if he so desired.
“I have a favor to ask of ye.”
“Of course. I am at yer service, Me Laird.” Lucas was irritated already when the young minister bowed.
“Fine, fine. Now, I have brought a lass under me protection. Seamus MacLennan’s sister. I believe ye’ve met him a time or two at a feast.”
“Aye, so I have. Pleasant lad. Kind face.”
“I am afraid that he has died. He was a traveling merchant, as ye ken, and—,” Lucas felt his throat go thick, and he cleared it. Now was not the time to show his emotions. Minister MacMillan would love to see that. “And his ship was overtaken by a storm. There were very few survivors.”
“Dear God, I am sorry to hear it.” The minister folded his hands together, and his eyes crinkled with sadness. “He was a good man. I ken ye were good friends with him.”
“Aye, and now I have assumed protection of his sister. She is at the Castle now. Her name is Caitlin.”
“How very Christian of ye, Laird.” The minister put his hand on Lucas’ shoulder. “Ye must call upon me if ye need any help, or if she desires to have a minister for prayer.”
“That is why I am here. Ye have heard of the feast at the Castle come tomorrow.”
“Aye, a message was sent round.”
“But I want it to also be a proper funeral for Seamus. In spirit only, of course. I thought perhaps ye might perform a ceremony for us, and then the feast will be a funeral feast, celebrating Seamus’ life and honoring his death.”
Minister MacMillan put a hand on his chest. “I would be honored, Me Laird. I am glad ye thought of me. Tomorrow, ye say?”
“Aye. Mornin’ if possible.”
“I will make all the necessary preparations. Do ye have a place ye would like to have it?”
“I think it should be in the chapel, and then I will have a stone put out behind the Castle, close to the sea. It would be most appropriate.”
“Very good.” The minister smiled. “I would be happy to.”
“Thank ye, Minister. Ye will make the lass very happy.” Lucas turned to go, and he jumped into his saddle when the minister spoke again.
