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

Catriona nodded. “Yes. Of course.” She kept scanning the faces the entire time as the men were spoken to by the laird and then began to disperse. Those that lived outside the keep rode away, while those who lived in the guards’ quarters dismounted and guided their horses to one of two huge stables where lads would take over care for the animals.

“We best prepare for last meal,” Elspeth, said. “I should go and see if Malcolm requires anything.”

As the women dispersed, Esme came up beside Catriona. “We should go and see if any help is required in the kitchen.”

It was comical, since Esme was the worst cook. However, it was obvious her friend was trying to distract her.

Catriona looked to Esme. “If he is about, I do not plan to speak to him. Do not try to come up with a way to leave me alone with him.”

Esme gave her a pointed look. “Ye should speak to him. Ask him about what Broden said.”

“He’s already lied by not telling me. Every time I asked about his reasons, not once did he reply. There cannot be anything between us. He has a family to care for.”

“I find it strange that no one here has mentioned it.”

“Yer own husband said he knew nothing about Ewan having a wife. How is it possible?” Catriona said.

“Ewan lived in Uist. It is quite a long distance away,” Esme explained. “What the family here knows about his life is only what he has told them. Besides, how would Broden even know?”

“True.”

Esme took her hand. “If ye wish to know the truth, ask him directly. It is what ye should have done from the beginning. At least that way ye could be sure.”

“I should. Ye are right. I is best to know, although I have already made up my mind,” Catriona replied.

Together, they went down the stairs and past the great room. Everyone remained outside so the space was empty. Just as they turned down the corridor to the kitchen, Tristan entered with Merida under his arm.

“We are grabbing our bairn and heading to our home. I will come back to see ye tomorrow,” Merida said with a bright smile.

Unlike her, Tristan’s expression turned hard at seeing Catriona. He remained silent, only nodding in their direction.

“Tristan,” Esme said, much to Catriona’s dismay. “Where is Ewan?”

The huge warrior met Catriona’s gaze for a moment. It was obvious he was not happy with her. “He replaced an injured archer at the northern post. He will not be returning for many months.”

At the news, Catriona wasn’t sure how to respond. A heavy sadness fell over her as she realized she would never see Ewan again.

Esme said something, she didn’t hear. Tristan replied and both looked to her.

“Ye are pale,” Merida said. “Ye should sit.”

“I am fine, thank ye,” Catriona replied. “I should go to the kitchen. There is much to do.”

Tears threatened and Catriona blinked to keep from embarrassing herself. She hurried into the large kitchen. Thankfully, everyone was too busy preparing the large meal so that they took no notice of her.

The head cook, Moira, motioned her to come closer. “Help or get out of the way,” she said, pushing a long-handled spoon into her hand. “Stir and do not let it stick.”

Before long, Catriona donned an apron and was stirring the sweet pudding like her life depended on it.

Every so often, Moira stopped by, dipped her finger into the pot and tasted it. Each time, she declared, “It’s almost done,” before hurrying away.

By the time the first trays were being taken by a group of serving maids, Catriona sat at the long kitchen table placing loafs of bread and blocks of cheese onto large platters.

Unlike Clan Fraser, where small groups were entertained perhaps every fortnight, Ross Keep seemed to entertain nonstop.

“Who is this feast for?” Catriona asked Moira, who waved the next group of tray-carrying maids off.

Moira gave her a puzzled look. “For the men returning from battle, of course.”

“Yes, of course,” Catriona replied, attempting to force a smile. “How silly of me to ask.”

The activity continued for hours until Catriona could barely stand upright. How Moira and her helpers could continue on, seeming not to tire, was a testament to their tenacity.

“I will go rest now,” Catriona announced to the kitchen at large. One maid waved her off with a bright smile.

“Thank ye for helping.”

Once in her room, she lowered to a chair. Ewan had volunteered to stay away. It was a relief not to have to bump into him daily. At the same time, it was hurtful that he was not at all the man she’d believed him to be. A married man with a bairn should be home, helping to raise the child, not galivanting about the country in battles and courting women.

How could she have misread him so much?

The next morning, her eyes felt as if someone had thrown sand in them. She’d barely slept a wink, vacillating between worrying for Ewan and being angry at him.

Finally, she decided there was little to be done about it. For one thing, Lady Fraser and the guard contingent, including Broden, had left. Secondly, she had nowhere to go, and therefore had to forge ahead until the opportunity to return to Fraser lands presented itself.

Upon entering the great room, once again, she was amazed at the amount of people present. If ever there was a place for her to face her fears, it was Dun Airgid. Catriona weaved through tables until reaching the one where Esme and her husband, Ruari, sat. With them was an older couple and a woman. They motioned for her to sit and Esme introduced her to the others.

The meal was simple, but plentiful. Soon, Catriona faced what would be another day.

“Esme,”