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

Catriona was not a fool. She was fully aware her husband did not love her. As a matter of fact, he acted as if he didn’t particularly care for her in the least.

Most days, she was lucky to catch a glimpse of him any time other than at last meal. True, there was much to do and his duties as laird were many but, to her, it seemed as if he invited more work.

Just two days earlier, there had been a large group of farmers who he’d invited to come and share about their crops. The group, along with wives and children, had filled the great room to capacity.

Next was the archery tournament. The house would be filled with villagers. Afterward, Ewan was to leave with Esme and her husband to spend time with Ruari learning about warhorse breeding. Although Catriona had been invited to come along, she was forced to remain behind as the wife of a McLeod was scheduled to come for a visit.

In truth, she was excited to meet Paige McLeod, who’d married Alec, the laird’s first-born son. According to Elspeth, she and Paige had much in common. Paige had been a village girl who’d stood up to both the McLeod and the Ross to defend men she loved.

When Catriona changed to look more presentable for last meal, she entered the great room and, as expected, Ewan was surrounded by men who seemed to be picking on him good-naturedly about losing to Esme.

“It was obvious he lost on purpose,” Esme said, coming up behind her and weaving an arm through Catriona’s. “Yer husband could not help it. Spending the night outdoors in the fresh air with his beautiful wife is not a consolation, but a prize.”

“Ye are incorrigible,” Catriona replied. “I cannot say I look forward to sleeping outdoors.”

“Where are ye to make yer bed?” Esme asked with a smile. “The woods, the creek or perhaps atop a tree?”

“In the garden,” Catriona said and had to smirk at Esme’s crestfallen expression.

Her friend frowned. “Right outside the kitchen?”

“I suppose it is.” Catriona had not thought about all the people coming and going, passing by while they tried to sleep. “No, I think the other side garden would suit best.”

“I should have specified outside the keep,” Esme said, but didn’t seem overly disappointed.

The meal was long until, finally, Catriona leaned closer to speak into her husband’s ear. “I am not sure exactly how to prepare for tonight,” she admitted.

Already, bedding had been set up for them in the back of the house, between a wall and what was to be a garden once Catriona had time for it.

“I would wear something warm,” Ewan said, giving her a side glance. “Perhaps one of those heavy shawls ye prefer in the winter.”

A shawl and a heavy dressing gown. Perfect, she’d barely be able to move. With a soft huff, she stood and walked to the stairs. If her being bundled up is what he wanted, she would do the opposite. She was growing tired of whatever the game was that he played.

He pretended that she barely existed.

Two could do the same.

“Where are we going?” Maisie asked, running after Catriona, who hurried through the home to a door that opened to the back garden. Servants were still there making what looked to be a love nest. Thick blankets had been spread along with decorative pillows and even some sort of posts on each corner with fabric spread laterally. They followed the instructions for there not to be a cover over them and had gotten creative to ensure them privacy and a bit of protection from the breeze.

“Very nice,” she said primly. “Now, put another, smaller bed over there.” She pointed to a space next to the wall.

The maids looked to one another. One finally spoke up. “We do not have any more bedding, my lady.”

“Take this.” Catriona pulled one of the blankets from the fancy bed. “Use that and a pair of these pillows.” She stood still as they placed a thick layer of hay down and added the blanket she’d given them.

Maisie shifted from one foot to the other. “Am I to sleep here?”

“What?” Catriona turned to her. “Do not be silly. Ye will sleep over there with me,” she said, pointing to the larger bed. “The laird will sleep here.”

“Oh.” All three maids froze and turned to her with wide eyes.

“I cannot possibly,” Maisie said. “The laird will not be pleased.”

“He cannot say much if we are already asleep. Now, come hurry. Take off yer shoes. Let us rest.”

Thinking it a great game, the maids laughed.

***

Ewan was a bit in his cups by the time he staggered out the back door to find his bed. Although Esme had been creative in her request, she’d not given enough specifics. He figured Catriona would be asleep and there would be no need to talk to her, or worse, compelled to kiss her.

Once outside, he stopped at seeing what looked to be a proper bed. The servants had certainly gotten creative.

He lifted the torch to get a better view, which he really didn’t need as there was a full moon and enough light.

There, in what he assumed was to be where he’d lay his head, were two women, fast asleep.

Catriona on her side facing him and the maid, Maisie, rolled into a ball with her back to where he stood.

“Where in the devil am I to sleep?” Ewan muttered and then he saw it. A slim bedroll.

His wife, it seemed, was just as anxious not to spend time with him.

He’d show her. Ewan crept to the opposite side of where Catriona slept and not-so-gently scooped up the sleeping maid, who barely stirred.

He then placed her on the slender bedroll and pulled a blanket over her.