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

as if she, too, had a man in her life. Despite the anxiety nibbling at the edges, Catriona allowed herself a time of lightness and enjoyed the moment.

“Tell me who is he,” Elspeth demanded.

Merida, who seemed the quietest of the group, patted Catriona’s hand. “Ye do not have to. When ye are ready, we will be glad to know.”

“I have an idea who it is,” Gisela said. “A certain gentleman seems overly interested in knowing when Ruari and Esme are going back to their house.”

Esme huffed and rolled her eyes. “Ye will eventually find out. He is not the best at hiding his admiration for Catriona.”

“I cannot stand the curiosity,” Elspeth cried out dramatically.

When they entered the small dining room, the cook hurried over to them. Her warm gaze went to Catriona. “I am Moira. If there is anything ye need, no matter the time, ye come and ask.”

Lady Fraser appeared at the doorway. “I had to hunt for ye,” she complained, but immediately sat next to her daughter, Esme. “I like the idea of eating separately.”

“I apologize,” Elspeth replied. “I did send a maid to fetch ye.”

“Ye did, but she came much too early. I had yet to begin to comb my hair.” Lady Fraser didn’t seem bothered at all. “I must say, this home amazes me. It is so beautiful.”

Elspeth met the woman’s gaze. “Thank ye. It is indeed lovely.”

“Ye must remain here with me while I visit,” Lady Fraser told Esme. “It is only for a season. It would be preferable to yer smaller home. This one has a proper staff.”

It was obvious by the look between Esme and Elspeth that she’d warned Lady Ross about her mother’s inclination for indulgence.

“We did invite ye to visit us. Whether Esme remains or not, ye are more than welcome to remain here,” Elspeth told Lady Fraser.

Lady Fraser gasped. “It is so very kind of ye. I must, however, go wherever my daughter goes. It is her I wish to spend the most time with.” She glanced at Catriona. “Catriona, as well. It is imperative that they spend time together.”

“Very well, Mother, I will remain here for a bit longer. Eventually, ye and Catriona will come to my home. It may not be as grand as this, but it is very comfortable, and I have enough of a staff that ye will find it adequate for yer every need.”

Of course, what Lady Fraser was interested in were the constant activities, the feasts and any celebrations at the larger keep, since she and Laird Fraser only attended smaller gatherings. The entire trip there, she’d spoken of little else but hopes for several large celebrations.

As if reading her mind, Elspeth spoke. “Tonight, we have invited several neighboring families to attend a welcome celebration in yer honor, Lady Fraser.”

The woman looked about to swoon with delight and Catriona slid a knowing look to Esme, who then gazed upon her mother indulgently.

After first meal, Esme gave Catriona a tour of the home. By the time they returned to the great room, Catriona was completely lost. “I do not think I will ever learn my way around here.”

“Everyone gets turned about at first,” Esme said with a chuckle. “I would get so angry when trying to find my way to the great room for meals.”

Esme looked around. “I will introduce ye to Laird Ross and his brother,” Esme said, not giving Catriona an opportunity to reply before pulling her toward the high board.

When she looked up and met the icy stare, she almost turned around and ran. However, Esme held her arm. “Laird Ross, this is Catriona, who is like a sister to me.”

The man was as handsome as he was frightening. After a nudge from the man to his right, he seemed to soften. “Welcome to Dun Airgid. I hope ye will enjoy yer visit.”

Catriona bent her head forward in greeting.

“Catriona, this is Tristan Ross, the laird’s brother, and Merida’s husband,” Esme explained.

Like his cousins, Tristan also had hazel eyes. His, however, seemed lighter. The man nodded in greeting. “Welcome, Miss Catriona.” Unlike his brother, Tristan Ross set her mind at ease enough to speak.

“Th-thank ye,” Catriona stuttered, looking to Esme, hoping for an escape.

“Ewan has gone to meet with the guards. He shall return by last meal,” Tristan informed her.

To her utter dismay, she felt a wave of heat fall over her face. “Oh.” It was the only sound she could make. Thankfully, Esme rescued her.

“I’m sure he will seek Catriona upon his return,” Esme replied, tugging her arm. “Let us go see where the women are.”

“How do they know?” Catriona hissed as soon as they were out of earshot.

Esme gave her a droll look. “Ewan must have said something to them.”

“I should speak to Broden,” Catriona said. “He has been making attempts to court me.”

Her friend stop mid-stride. “I was not aware Broden was interested in ye. I wonder if it is more about feeling possessive over ye.”

“Either way, I feel that I should speak to him.”

“I will send for him later,” Esme said. “Ye need to get yer breath and rest a bit first.”

They went into a large sitting room where Elspeth and several women sat about sewing. Elspeth waved them in. “Ye have to tell me about yer home. I do not believe I’ve ever been to yer village.”

After a while, Catriona was shocked to find out the beautiful Lady Ross had grown up a simple village girl. She’d agreed with Catriona that her husband was quite frightening when first meeting him.

“He is a strong leader who grew up a warrior and witnessed death many times. As much as I try, I cannot imagine what it is like.”

Merida looked to Catriona. “Ye haven’t met the youngest, Kieran, yet. If ye