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

With a quick flick of her wrist, Lady Fraser waved her concerns away. “Firstly, Broden is third...no, fourth born son of a local landowner. He has nothing more than the McRainy last name.”

Once again, Flora returned her attention to Broden, seeing him through new eyes. Handsome, courageous and from a family in high esteem to her laird. Marrying him would prove not only advantageous to her in her current situation, but a man would be good for her son.

“If he agrees, I am not against it.” Upon speaking the words, it was as if Broden sensed their attention because he turned to them. The piercing gaze went from Lady Fraser to her. Then to her utter dismay, it lowered down from her face, scanning her body as if assessing if she was worthy of his bed.

Lady Fraser cleared her throat. “I will admit to him being a bit of a rake. But I do think once he settles...” She left the rest of the sentence unsaid. “Come, let us see about the day’s meals.”

As they made their way to the back entrance of the keep, Flora turned to look over her right shoulder toward where the men continued to spar and met Broden’s gaze. His eyes narrowed for a moment before he gave a slight nod.

Obviously, he suspected they had been talking about him. A warrior did not survive many battles without sharp senses.

Flora caught up with Lady Fraser. “Have ye spoken to him about this?”

The woman looked up to the sky. “Not yet. I wished to get yer reply first. Like I said, I am sure he will be a good husband to ye.”

She didn’t have to think about it. Despite the fact that she had not consider remarrying, two years had passed since her husband’s death. “I am agreeable to a marriage between me and Broden McRainy.”

The cook looked up when they entered. “Lady Fraser, I was about to send a lad to find ye. What do ye think of lamb?”

As the women discussed the meal, Flora went to find her mother and son. The warm sun would be beneficial for them both.

Her mother sat in a chair by the window of the room the three of them shared. Flora would not dare complain as it was quite kind of the laird and his wife to give them a place to live. Better a sturdy roof, warm food and safety, than remaining in the cottage with a leaky roof and having to figure how to procure their meals.

“I came to fetch ye and Hamish. The day outside is beautiful. The sun will be good for ye.”

Every day, her mother looked worse. Pale and drawn, she did not look like the same woman from just a month earlier. Flora could barely look at her without crying and, yet, she managed to smile. “Come, Mother, ye can sit while I finish my work in the garden.”

“Of course, dear.” Her mother stood and wrapped a shawl around her narrow shoulders. Before she could try to lift Hamish, Flora took the toddler’s hand

Together, they walked slowly outside.

Her mother turned her face up to the sky. “I am so glad ye came for us. It is indeed a beautiful day. I will help ye.”

“Ye can sit and watch after Hamish. The rascal has become quite adept at escaping.”

“I can do both,” her mother insisted and, before long, they worked side-by-side. While Flora worried about her mother’s energy and how tiring the work would be, she also understood the need to feel useful and to make one’s way in repayment for kindness.

“I am not so unwell that ye have to constantly keep watch over me.” Her mother gave her a stern look. “It was my stomach. It pained me to eat for days. Until this morn. I feel so much better. Eileen suggested to boil a mixture of boiled herbs. Today, I ate without pain.”

The news made Flora smile. “I wish ye would have told me, Mother. Ye must continue to drink it.”

“There is already much for ye to worry about without adding my aches and pains to yer list,” her mother replied with a soft smile.

“Mother,” Flora began. “Ye never married after Father died. Why?”

After a moment, her mother replied, “I had ye and yer sister to look after. Besides, my parents were always there to help and give us what we needed. I didn’t feel a need for it.” She looked at Flora for a long moment. “Is there someone ye wish to marry?”

“Lady Fraser asked that I consider it. To one of the guardsmen.”

“Ah.” The corners of the ill woman’s lips lifted. “Ye are not averse to it, I presume.”

Her mother knew her well because, immediately, her cheeks heated, and she realize that it was true. Broden was handsome and his body was enticing. Not that she’d ever seen him bereft of clothing. But it was easy to imagine upon watching him in only a light tunic and breeches when sparring. The perspiration had caused his clothing to cling to every part of his powerful back, arms and legs.

“If ye are to marry again, I would be very happy for ye.”

Her heart swelled with love for the woman who’d stood by her through thick and thin. No matter if she married or not, Flora vowed to never be away from her mother. It was right that she take care of the woman who’d always been there for her.

“I miss Catriona,” Flora said. “Since I’m not sure what my duties are since she left, I feel a bit adrift.”

“Did Lady Fraser not say?”

Flora shook her head. “Now that I think about it, I should have asked for what my responsibilities would be. She did comment on how my hard work has not gone unnoticed.”

“That is good