Page 48 of When a Highlander Vows
“Och, well,” Caitlin began, wondering a little if her stomach would be able to handle it as well as if her tentatively struck friendship with Paige would last. “I wouldnae wish to disturb or impose.”
“Nae at all. I already suggested it to her. She will leave within the hour if that is acceptable.”
Caitlin nodded, and Sarah stifled a laugh.
“I wonder…where are the men this morning?” Caitlin asked, hopeful that Lucas had not stayed away from breakfast just because of her.
“Unfortunately, they have been called once again to the border. It seems the skirmishes continue, the damned things,” Lottiesaid with a frown. “I had hoped he could accompany ye, Caitlin. He is still yer host.”
“And he has done his duty very vigorously,” Caitlin said, blushing when she saw Sarah hide a laugh again.
Did others ken he stayed in me chamber last night?
“I mean only that he has already completed his duty to me in showing me the Castle and grounds, Lottie. I can handle the rest on me own or with others.” She gave Sarah a pleading look, which only seemed to entertain the woman further.
“Well, I think he should have stayed here with us, and so I cannae fight ye on it, seein’ that me foolish grandson has run off again, but I am nae done with this, believe me.”
Caitlin didn’t say anything else, and when she finished her breakfast, Paige entered the main hall, opening up the oaken door to peek inside. She looked tired, just as everyone else, but still very pretty. Caitlin worried that Paige would be able to see what had happened last night and this morning on Caitlin’s face.
I told her he wouldnae want me, but now…och, the shame of it!
Paige wore a dark cloak and carried a basket under her arm. Her red hair had been plaited, and the plait hung over one side.
Smiling lightly at Caitlin, she said, “I heard ye might be willin’ to join me in the village? Lottie said—”
“Aye, I would be delighted. I will just need to get me own cloak. But please tell Rachel and Mary I will be back later, Lottie. I hate that I’ve missed them yet again.”
“Of course,” Lottie said, shooing her off. “Enjoy yerself and the fresh air.”
A few minutes later, Caitlin was at the doors of the castle, waving goodbye to Lottie and Sarah.
“Enjoy yer time,” Lottie said, her eyes crinkling as she smiled. “We will have tea when ye return, and we can sit in the library together.”
“That would be nice.” Caitlin remembered she was intended to be the old woman’s companion.
And yet ye’ve been layin’ abed, having a man’s tongue between yer legs.
“Aye, dae have a good time. Meet some lovely new folks.” Sarah moved closer and kissed her on the cheek. “Ye must tell me all about yer evenin’ last night, and explain why Lucas dinnae return to the feast,” she said, and Caitlin gasped.
Blushing, she could only nod to Sarah, and she passed out the door with Paige, hoping and praying that Paige would not ask what Sarah had whispered in her ear.
So, she kens? What must everyone think of me now?
They walked for a few minutes in silence before Paige said, “How did ye sleep, then?”
Caitlin seemed to be afflicted with a permanent blush. If the way she’d spent her night was public knowledge, then Paige was sure to be furious. Caitlin wasn’t sure if she was well enough to deal with another icy rebuke from her new acquaintance.
“It was fine, although I think I am unable to sleep so full, after leaving me cottage. It is just nae the same.”
She wrapped her cloak about her more tightly and looked off into the distance as the outline of the village stood blurrily in her view. Nestled between bright green hills, it reminded her of home.
Will I ever return?
“I can understand that. It was a struggle for meself as well after I moved into the Castle, nae to have me own home again. I have some calming herbs that I could use for a tea. If ye would like some help to sleep, that is.”
“That would be very kind of ye, thank ye.” Caitlin cleared her throat. “Did ye enjoy yer evenin’? I missed the endin’. I think I will never drink that much wine again.”
To her surprise, Paige giggled, putting a hand to her mouth to stifle the sound. “Forgive me, but I think yer right. Ye could hardly stand by the end.”
