A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6) by Hildie McQueen (great novels TXT) 📕

stay the night,” her mother announced, looking around the great room, no doubt to stake a place to sleep.

“Ye and father can sleep in my bedchamber. I will find Audra and the bairns a room and I will sleep in Lady Fraser’s sitting room. There is plenty of room there.”

Plans made, Catriona felt good and looked forward to a day with her mother and sister.

“Would ye like to see my gardening?” She stood.

“Let me fetch the wee ones,” Audra said, but Flora waved her away.

“Go, they seem content with me.”

Audra sighed with relief at only having to carry the sleeping youngest.

Then Flora motioned to a blanket by the hearth. “Put the wee one down. I will watch over the bairn.”

The garden was flourishing. Plants of varying heights grew in neat rows and not a weed was in sight. Catriona beamed with pride when her mother stared at the large plot. “Ye did this yerself?”

“I did. Only a lad helps me every now and then.”

“Are ye sad to leave it?” Audra asked, reaching down to touch a flowering plant.

She’d not considered it, but already knew who would take it over. “I will, but hopefully, I can help Esme with one up there at Ross Keep.”

In the distance, she noticed Ewan and her nephews standing around his huge steed. He’d given each boy a brush and they enthusiastically brushed the animal.

“I do not believe I’ve ever seen a man so handsome,” Audra said, following her line of sight. “Who is he?”

“Ewan Ross. He is returning to Ross lands with the same party I am traveling with.”

“Is he married?” her mother asked, staring at Ewan.

“Why do ye ask?” Catriona couldn’t help but chuckle. “Ye are married.”

Her mother laughed. “Just curious. He is very attractive. Large...muscular...”

“Mother!” both she and Audra exclaimed.

Ewan looked over at them and immediately they pretended not to notice, but Catriona was sure he knew they were speaking about him.

“My goodness,” Audra said. “I envy my boys right now.”

“Ye are married, too,” Catriona scolded, but couldn’t help stealing another glance toward Ewan.

She had to admit that he was certainly very handsome. His blond hair gleamed in the sun and his tunic fit him well, leaving little to the imagination of his muscular form. The breeches he wore molded perfectly to his well-formed legs. Catriona cleared her throat, forcing herself to look to the garden.

Her sister and mother walked through the garden admiring the different plants.

A few moments later, Flora walked out along with the toddlers.. Claiming the children needed fresh air, Flora blew out a breath.

“The babe?” Audra asked, eyeing the toddlers who hurried into the garden and grabbing one as it toddled by. “Stay with me.”

“Still asleep. A maid is looking over her.”

“They are lovable,” Catriona said. The she asked Flora, “But perhaps three is a bit much?”

Flora laughed. “A bit, yes.” Her gaze moved over to where Ewan stood with the older boys, who were now sitting on the corral looking at the horses. “Does he know ye have decided to go?”

“I am not required to inform him,” Catriona replied. “A part of me is still unsure. I am petrified of something happening. I hate these feelings.”

“Ye will be just fine. I assure it,” Flora said with a firm nod. “And so it shall be.”

Despite her trepidation, Catriona smiled. “I pray it is so.”

Moments later, Ewan walked toward the house with the boys, who raced into the keep. Audra whirled around and dashed after them. Her mother and the toddlers remained inside the garden. They sat on a bench as she spoke to them in soft tones. The children were obviously becoming sleepy.

“I will see about preparing a chamber for them to sleep,” Catriona told her mother who nodded. She looked to Ewan. “Any idea where I can find an empty bedchamber?”

“There’s one in the same corridor as mine,” he replied. “Come, I will show ye.” They walked in together.

“The boys enjoyed spending time with ye.” Catriona glanced up just as Broden headed toward them. Not paying him any mind, she continued speaking. “I wish Audra’s husband would take more time with them. He does work long hours, so I understand...”

“Where are ye going?” Broden asked, interrupting. “I doubt Ross needs any more tending.”

The last thing she wished for was any kind of scene with her parents visiting. “I am looking for an empty chamber for my sister and her bairns to sleep,” Catriona said, making to keep an even tone.

“Is it necessary that he go with ye?”

Ewan looked from Broden to her and back. “If ye would prefer to find the chamber and help set it up, I am more than willing to return to packing.”

He walked away and Catriona turned to Broden.

“Where is the empty bedchamber?”

“I do not know. I live at the guards’ quarters.”

Catriona glared up at him. “The bairns are falling asleep. They need a place to sleep.”

“I didn’t mean to...”

“There will never be anything between ye and me,” Catriona hissed. “Nor between me and anyone else. Please leave me be.” She hurried off, hoping to catch Ewan.

Chapter Seven

The arrow hit the target’s center. Ewan let out a breath and released a second one. This one was not as accurate.

Despite his injury, returning to archery made him feel whole again. The tension, release of breath, and loosing an arrow was like an extension of himself. Ewan placed another arrow, went through the motions and upon releasing it, he caught sight of Ava Fraser.

The woman watched him from the side of the building. Her gaze moved from him to the target.

He’d leave the next day, so it was best to speak to her once and for all.

At Ewan approaching, she stood her ground. The woman