Sight Unseen

By Katie Spears

Caitrìona Ross waited her whole life to be wed to a laird. Though blind, she wanted to be independent and start living a life without well-meaning loved ones doing everything for her.

 

Without meeting, betrothal agreements were signed between her father, Laird Douglass Ross and her intended's father, Sam McCrory. Roderick, her husband-to-be, wanted nothing to do with wedded life, satisfied with his womanizing ways, hopping from woman to woman to sate his desires.

 

Even on their wedding day, Roderick wanted little to do with his bride. The wedding was brief; he did not even properly kiss his new bride before running off to more experienced pastures.

 

Sam, his father, at his wits end, disavowed his son until he showed evidence of being worthy to take his place as laird of McCrory Castle. Surprised on his wedding night, Roderick finally opens his eyes to see the woman he wed was more than he assumed. Now that he has chosen a path that will lead him back to his father's good graces, will those he turned his back on to keep his vows allow him the peace to do so?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kathryn Perez
• Release date: May 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201495312

Book preview

Sight Unseen

Katie Spears

Copyright © 2019 by Katie Spears All rights reserved. Houston, Tx

Cover art by Bruce Alan Forest

Text design by Bruce Alan Forest

No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission, write to [e-mail].

Contents

The Beginning

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Epilogue

About the Author

Dedication

Many people go through life with disabilities. Some are obvious and others are more difficult to detect. I dedicate this story to those who go through their lives as though they are capable despite their loved ones trying to protect them. You are capable, and I salute you!

Other Titles by Katie Spears

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(Available on Amazon.Com)

From Envy to Wrath

Invaded

Forth Chance

The Beginning

THE PRIEST POSTED THE banns. Lairds signed the contracts and fulfilled the dowry and bride price. There was nothing left for Caitrìona Ross to do but wed her betrothed. She took a deep breath, stepped closer to the floor-length mirror to see herself once more, and groaned. She had not yet met the man she would marry, though her father reassured her that he was a fine man from a comfortable home.

Her mother stood behind her, holding her lovingly by the shoulders. Och, Caitrìona. You are verra bonny. She sobbed.

Thank ye, Mum. I ken I amnae a prize, but ye have made me look maun lovely.

Ye ne’er did ken the strength of yer beauty, love, her mother, Lis Ross whispered to her as she gave her a hug. Are ye ready, love? she asked.

Just then, Caitrìona jumped with surprise, someone pounded heavily on the door.

Are ye going tae hide in there all the morn’? the bristled man’s voice growled through the door. Lis rolled her eyes and smiled gently before opening the door.

"Husband. It is not e’ery day our wee lass weds. I wanted her tae feel as perfect as she is."

Douglass’s expression softened when he saw his wife in the door, hands fisted at her waist, scolding him. Aye, love. I ken what ye mean. Our wee bonny Caitrìona was ne’er verra happy with how she looks. He looked over Lis’s shoulder to gaze at his daughter. Ye make a verra bonny bride, Caitrìona. Since yer mum, I have ne’er seen bonnier, he said, reaching past his wife to take his daughter’s hand.

Come, dearest. Yer braw husband awaits, he said.

He isnae yet me husband, Da, she said and paused. Is he truly braw?

Douglass chuckled. Aye, he is. As for being yer husband, he has only a few hours afore ‘tis truth, Douglass told her.

She nodded, her cheeks turning an attractive pink. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, feeling the heat.

E’eryone awaits, Da, a man’s voice called from the main floor. Come on, then. His voice joyful.

When Caitrìona, accompanied by her father, Douglass and followed by his wife, Lis, reached the main floor, Alasdair’s mouth dropped open. Devoted as her brother and protector, he could not believe his eyes when she stepped onto the landing. No longer did he see a mousy young girl with braids and a dirty nose standing before him. Instead, a vision of the most beautiful young woman he had ever seen rooted in his eyes.

She wore an ivory gown with a green-lace, conservative neckline which accented her sparkling hazel eyes. She held her eyes half-shut, her dark blond eyelashes cast shadows on her cheekbones. Her cheeks were still lovely rose-colored from blushing.

In her hair, her mother and lady’s maid twined purple and white heather for luck. Her blond locks, hanging half-way down her thighs, brushed to a golden sheen to put the sun to shame.

Douglass grinned at his son and reached forward to shut his mouth. Ye dinnae wish the flies to come a’ calling do ye? he asked, laughing.

Alasdair shut his mouth and raised his arm to take his sister into the chapel. Douglass granted his son the request, placing Caitrìona’s hand over Alasdair’s arm. Then, the elder Ross dropped back to take his wife’s hand in his arm.

The four walked to the chapel. The guests arrived before Douglass and Lis entered the chapel and walked to the front, to the laird’s family-apportioned seats. Alasdair stood in the doorway, in the shadows, with his sister. He could feel her trembling. Dinnae worry, love. The mon willnae hurt ye. He isnae a bad mon, ye ken?

I dinnae ken at all, Alasdair. She struggled to keep herself from crying, squeezing her eyes tightly.

Besides, I will have his bollocks if he tried, he told her. Alasdair looked at her with love and tugged on her arm. ‘Tis time, he whispered. She nodded and the two walked into the church.

The first thing Caitrìona saw was pews filled with people she recognized from their voices and scents, members of her own clan, friends, and even servants attended. To the side, she noticed a few strangers wearing McCrory plaid salted through the Ross clan. The differing colors made for a spectacular and colorful display. The patterns swirled in her vision. She could not make out the faces, only shapes. She could nearly tell who another woman and man, sitting in her family’s pew, were. She supposed they must be Roderick’s parents.

She looked forward to her soon-to-be-husband. She knew nothing about the man. She had never been close enough to him to truly see his face. Unfortunately, she could not see further than her arm’s reach with any clarity.

Thankfully, however, she also could not see the expression of sorrow and pity on the priest’s face. He stood with the man she would soon call husband. If she could, she might have chosen to turn tail and run, so nervous to marry.

She could not even see her betrothed did not bother to look at her at all.

Roderick McCrory stood stiffly in front of the priest, his shoulders, slightly broad, his stance agitated and stoic. He muttered under his breath how he did not need a wife and would not allow a woman to halt his fancies. He was the man, after all, and would have what he always had. A bride would not keep him from his other women.

Caitrìona walked slowly, and Roderick became increasingly perturbed by her slowness. No one had informed him that her eyesight was poor and therefore did everything with caution from the moment she stepped from of her bed chamber, which she was very acquainted with. Not that he would care, he was too busy playing and wasting his life with women and wine.

Finally, after what Roderick thought was an excruciatingly prolonged period, she reached the dais. His brother lifted his arm to take her hand but still did not bother to look at his bride. He directed his eyes above her head to a corner of the chapel, instead. She felt his cold, rough skin on her slightly warm fingers and inhaled sharply. She had never felt fingers so cold.

Caitrìona assessed the man she would soon know intimately. She noted his over-long hair, blond and disheveled. She frowned. She moved her eyes to his face. His chiseled jaw showed a few days’ growth. His color was good; bronze and clear. He had brown eyes that she could only just see, he was so much taller than her. She gasped, her inhale offered a scent of leather, grass, and sweat, though another, unidentifiable scent traced the edges. She barely reached his collar bone with the top of her head.

The priest began speaking and Caitrìona turned to him. On the dais, she could focus somewhat on the priest’s expression and wondered why he looked displeased. Caitrìona listened carefully to every word the priest said. She wanted to be sure to follow her vows implicitly to please her husband.

Roderick did not care one way or another. He was thinking of the woman, no women, he had bedded the night before. There was thin, but shapely Milly, with long red hair that draped over his body like a cloak, and Nellie, who was pleasantly plump, but fulfilled every dream he had ever dreamed. He did not bathe; his father tore him from his bed from between the warm bosoms of the two willing wenches to attend this unwelcome wedding.

When it came time to agree to his vows, his mind back in his bed, he did not hear the question until his father stomped his foot and coughed behind him. Och, aye, he said without any conviction. He might have been asking for a mug of ale.

Caitrìona frowned at his less than genuine interest in her. She quietly agreed to her vows. When the priest invited the couple to kiss, Caitrìona turned her face up and closed her eyes. Roderick tilted his head downward, not truly looking at her, and kissed the tip of her nose.

Caitrìona opened her eyes in time to see Roderick’s form rush from the chapel, taking long steps, waving at all and sundry as though he had just carried out some great feat.

Chapter 1

ALASDAIR STOOD BY CAITRÌONA’S side before she fell off the slight dais. She did not know how to feel, the rest of her family stood by, shocked. The Ross clan gasped at the audacity of the heir-apparent to the McCrory dynasty.

Laird and Lady McCrory were embarrassed for their new daughter and rose quickly to speak to Caitrìona. Lass, welcome tae the family! Sam tried to say joyfully.

Aye, thank ye, Caitrìona replied, her mind still on the open chapel door and the missing bridegroom.

I am so verra sorry, Caitrìona, Meta McCrory apologized. I had nay idea he would do that.

Do what, M’ Lady? Caitrìona asked, moving closer to the voice to see the lovely, middle-aged woman.

Leave ye at the altar.

Och, well, I suspicion he has things tae do, Caitrìona said.

Dinnae ye be making excuses for the mon, Caitrìona, Alasdair told her, scowling at the open door. His behavior is inexcusable.

Well, Alasdair, we will see soon enough, aye? I suspicion we will have seats of honor at dinner, aye? Mayhap I can speak tae him and discover what displeases him so verra much, Caitrìona said sweetly to her brother.

Meta McCrory and Lis Ross took Caitrìona’s elbows and escorted her back to the keep. Lis spoke sweetly about everything except Roderick McCrory, while Meta could not speak of anything but her elusive son.

Finally, Lis, Caitrìona, and Meta reached the keep. Mum. I will retire for a wee bit afore the celebration if it is alright, Caitrìona said quietly. What had just occurred being quite discomfiting. She was not embarrassed, but she was confused. Certainly, Roderick McCrory had found himself in a quandary over something and had to rush away to handle it.

Do ye want me tae take ye, dearling? Lis asked her daughter.

Nay, Mum. I will be careful, Caitrìona promised as she walked with help to the stairs. When her mother guided her hand to the rail her father had installed for her when she was but six years old, she stepped up the first step. Ye go and finish the preparations. Send for me afore ye begin, alright?

Alright, sweetling. I will do that, Lis told her daughter. Come, Lady McCrory. Let us see tae the meal, she invited her guest.

Oh, please, call me Meta. We are family now. Lady McCrory asked, Lis nodded.

Only if ye call me Lis. She gave Meta a small hug.

The two women stepped into the hallway and followed the small path to the kitchen, giggling and carrying on like young maidens. Here now, what is this I see? Douglass asked when he came across the two women. Lovely garden nymphs out for a stroll?

The women broke into even more giggling. Where is me husband, Laird Ross? Meta asked when she got herself under control.

I suspicion the mon is looking for his, er, yer son.

Ah, Meta said.

Douglass. Lady...er, Meta and I are going tae the kitchens. Mayhap ye can check in on Caitrìona and see that she is alright?

Aye. I can do that, love, he said and kissed Lis on the cheek before hurrying toward the keep.

Ye and yer husband are a lovely pair, Meta told Lis. I pray that yer Caitrìona can stop me son’s roguish ways.

What mean ye, roguish? Lis asked, her attention caught by the negative term.

Our son is a bonny mon. Ye see that. He is a score and four years old. He spreads his wild oats for the lasses in the glen. I, well Sam and meself, are concerned he isnae ready tae take Sam’s place as laird.

Why would ye worry on that? A score and four isnae e’en auld.

Ye see, Sam willnae be thanking me for telling ye, but he isnae well. The healers say he has troubles that will take his life too soon, Meta said, wiping a small tear from the corner of her eye.

Oh, Meta. I am saddened tae hear that. Is there nae a chance? Lis asked, wrapping her arm around Meta’s shoulder.

The healer says nay.

Lis nodded and returned to the prior topic, Roderick. What could have caused him tae leave the chapel so suddenly?

Women, Meta said, matter-of-factly.

But...

Aye, I ken. ‘Tis his wedding day. He should be here with his bride. He will learn stability, Lis. I suspicion yer wee lass with the strong spirit will help him see he hasnae been verra good for his own self.

I pray ye are right. Caitrìona is a good lass. She has always done what we ask, but her vision isnae good. Surely ye saw that? Lis asked.

Aye, when I saw her taking her time walking, and when she squinted and looked verra closely, I could tell she couldnae see verra well. That willnae cause her distress will it?

Oh, nay. When she leaves for yer castle, I will send a maid with her. Someone she kens well, tae help her as she learns your lands and yer keep. She will adjust quickly. Her eyes may be poor, but her intelligence isnae.

Och, I would ne’er think such a thing. She is taking this strange day verra well; Roderick, I mean.

Lis nodded and reached forward, opening the door to the kitchen. The smell of venison, rabbit, and quail wafted through the air, mixed with fresh bread and sweets. Several vegetable trays sat in the kitchen, awaiting delivery to the celebration. I wanted tae thank ye for offering yer kitchen staff tae help our cook.

‘Tisnae just yer bairn who wed today, Meta said and winked.

The women stood in the kitchen door and watched the well-organized staff perform duties soldier-like precision. I dinnae think they need us here, Lis said and smiled.

The cook looked up at that point. He worked on decorative crusts for meat pies he knew Caitrìona loved. Small leaves and flowers adorned the top of the crusts, adhered by an egg white wash. When they finished baking, the egg whites gave the crust a shine that added to the festive appearance of all the rest of the foods.

Cook, when will ye be ready? Lis asked.

I will have everything ready in thirty minutes, M’ Lady, cook replied.

Lis nodded. I will leave ye tae it, then. Wonderful work ye are doing. I thank ye, Lis said.

Cook’s cheeks turned pink. Even with all the years he worked in the Ross kitchen, he did not easily accept the compliments that the laird’s family would give him. I am merely doing me part, M’ Lady, he choked out.

Lis nodded and left the kitchen. Meta looked at her curiously.

He doesnae take compliments well. We took him from another laird with the promise of better pay and a better kitchen. He is a good cook and a good employee. He wasnae treated well in his last post.

Ah, Meta said, and the two ladies returned to the great hall to oversee last-minute decorations.

When they reached the hall, they noticed two women sat at the table on the dais. Who are ye? Lis asked as she approached the women.

I be Millie, M’ Lady, a thin woman with red hair said, her eyes sparkling. Me name is Nellie, the other woman, more buxom and slightly portly, told her. We are guests of the groom, Nellie added.

Lis looked at the women. They were clearly not of noble blood and she wondered why they thought they could sit at the high table. Instead of questioning them further, she tilted her head to the side a fraction and turned from the table. She still had work to do.

Meta rushed to her side. Lis, I am so verra sorry.

For what?

Those women. They are...hmm... Meta could not find a polite way to explain the relationship between the two women and her son.

They are his pleasure? Lis offered.

Meta’s cheeks turned a blazing red and she nodded.

Lis sighed. She prayed that this would not be the beginning of a very bad marriage for her daughter. Meta nodded again, reading the expression on Lis’s face. I vow I didnae ken he invited them.

I believe ye, Meta. I wouldnae think ye would have allowed it. An’ afore ye say such, I also ken yer husband wouldnae have allowed it.

Meta looked thankfully at Lis and turned abruptly. Men were shouting in the corridor outside the great hall.

Nay! I willnae. I amnae here by me own agreement.

Son, ye will be a mon, and will take yer bride as ye vowed.

Nay! All I need is tae get her with child, and me work is done with her, a younger man’s voice shouted.

The voices were so loud that Lis did not doubt they could hear the two men at the gate.

Laird McCrory, Laird Roderick. Why do ye speak so loudly? Should ye be airing yer noble secrets tae me clan? Lis asked.

Sam McCrory paused in scolding his son. He turned to his host and looked down apologetically. ‘Tisnae a secret, M’ Lady, Sam said. All the glen ken of me son and his dishonorable habits.

Lis swallowed hard. She was surprised by how Sam spoke of his own son but understood his behavior thanks to Meta’s more polite explanation.

Sam pulled Roderick through the doors of the great hall. Look around, son. This is what the Ross family has done for ye.

Roderick looked around, disinterested and unimpressed. The great hall was beautifully decorated with sprigs of heather and pine decorating the doorway and windows. The windows were open, and the light breeze blew the aroma into the hall, making the room smell sweet. His eyes landed on the high table. Ladies! How verra fine it ‘tis that ye have come, Roderick exclaimed, walking quickly toward the women who giggled and wrapped their arms around his neck, taking turns kissing him seductively on the lips.

Lis gasped. Sam and Meta turned from red-faced to nearly purple with rage and embarrassment. Where is yer daughter? Sam asked quietly.

She has retired tae her chamber, Lis answered, sounding immensely thankful for that small favor.

Sam nodded. Verra good place for the lass just about now. Where is yer husband?

With Caitrìona, Meta said.

Sam nodded again and stalked into the great hall and to the dais.

Another vocal row between father and son started before one of the servants escorted the two guests from the table. They plopped themselves at a table near the high table, tossing Sam daggers with their eyes. Sam looked satisfied with what he had done and turned to his son.

What do ye mean inviting yer whores tae yer wedding?

They arenae me whores... Roderick began but looked at his father’s expression and changed his mind. Och, alright, they are me whores, but they are me guests. Why, they are practically family.

Sam shook his head and reached forward cuffing his man-child on the side of his head. This is yer wedding day, boy. Why would ye bring them here? Ye are tae sleep with yer bride, nae with whores.

Bonny? A frustrated Roderick spoke without knowing. She is too wee, she is too slow. She has naught tae hold me attention, he said, gesturing with his hands to show feminine curves and bosom large enough to grab.

If ye would just open yer eyes, ye would see she isnae slow. She cannae see, ye dolt! She is verra bonny. Did ye e’en look at the lass? Sam asked.

Nay. Why would I? She is naught but a person of the right blood tae give ye an heir and alliance.

Me? Sam asked, incredulous.

Aye. I dinnae care for an heir. I am naught but a score and four. ‘Tis too young tae settle on one wee bride, he said, puffing his chest out, trying to look larger.

Those wenches will be gone from this hall afore Caitrìona comes down. Do ye hear me? Sam asked.

Nay, Roderick said, standing straighter, pulling his shoulders up and showing his full height, substantially more than his father.

What did ye say? Sam asked, fisting his hands.

I said nay. They are me guests and they will stay.

Sam bellowed at the top of his voice and left the great hall in an even greater huff.

Douglass, brow furrowed in worry, came down the stairs.

Caitrìona had retired to her chamber, not to rest, but to cry in peace. She was devastated. Her life was over. The man she wed was not interested in her in the least. She was too small, too homely. She was too something for his liking. Why else would he have rushed from the chapel only moments after saying his vows?

She put her head in her arms. Her gown was all but ruined, wrinkled beyond repair. The shoes she wore hung from her feet. Her shoulders were pumping up and down with the power of her sobs. None could console her.

Douglass entered her chamber to check on her and found her in the same position, half hanging off the bed, her head in her arms, sobbing piteously.

Caitrìona love. I am here, he said and lifted her into his arms. He held her and let her cry. He didn’t know what else to do.

He just l...left..t me there! she cried out.

I ken, love, Douglass told her, smoothing her hair, and pulling the heather from her curls.

I dinnae ken what I did wrong! she cried louder.

Ye did naught, dearling. Ye agreed tae the wedding that and Laird McCrory and I contracted. Ye are the bonniest lass in the glen. Ye did e’erything right. The mon didnae e’en take the time tae look at ye, Douglass said which prompted another bout of uncontrollable sobs.

Sweetling, I am sorry. Please, stop crying. I will make this right. Mayhap we should just call for an annulment? he offered.

Caitrìona stopped crying abruptly and pulled herself back from her father’s shoulder. Annulment? she asked, looking shocked and a bit perturbed.

Aye. I cannae put ye through this kind of a life, lass. The mon isnae good for ye.

Aye, Da. ‘Tis true. Howbeit, am I nae good for him? she asked.

Douglass grinned at her. Love, ye are more than good for him. Ye are too good for him, he told her.

She shook her head. Does the Bible nae say that a woman should guide her husband tae the straight and narrow through her own actions?

Aye, lass. It does, at that. Douglass smiled at his daughter’s spirit. So ye will stay wed tae the mon?

Aye, Da. ‘Tis what is meant tae be. Dinnae ye think?

Aye, I do. Ye are verra good for him. Mayhap he will stop with his wild ways once he kens the bonny and brave bride who stands beside him.

Caitrìona stood. She pulled herself together. Da, help me tae me pitcher? she asked.

I thought ye kenned this chamber? he asked teasingly.

Aye, but I would like ye tae stay a wee bit longer.

Douglass nodded and guided her around the bed to her pitcher. She poured water into the basin and washed her face and dried it on a cloth. Her hair was a mess from crying, so she pulled it back into a braid, tying it with a green ribbon. She smoothed her gown the best she could, but the wrinkles were hopelessly deep and would only leave with a wash.

Come, Da. I have a wedding celebration tae attend, she said.

Douglass nodded but talked her out of coming down right away. He heard the McCrory laird and his son shouting and arguing. He wanted to be certain all was well before he brought her down.

When he reached the hall, he saw two ‘less-than-proper’ women sitting near the dais. He saw Sam and Roderick McCrory in the end of what looked to be a battle of wills. He seemed to think Roderick had won the round.

Lis. Is it alright to bring Caitrìona down? She is ready if we are, Douglass whispered to his wife.

She looked around, saw Roderick and Sam had parted. Roderick sat in a chair near the center of the high table, pouting. Sam was nearer the far end, fuming. She nodded.

Douglass turned to retrieve his daughter when Alasdair entered the keep. What was all that shou... he began but his mother stopped his question with a light touch on his hand. He looked at her curiously, and she just shook her head.

Alasdair, why don’t ye go fetch yer sister? She has gone tae her chamber tae freshen up.

Alasdair looked curiously at his mother and father then nodded, smiled, and ran up the stairs.

Within only a few moments, Alasdair came slowly down the stairs with a red-faced sister on his arm. He looked unhappy and kept his face turned so Caitrìona could not see. When they reached the hall, he stepped inside with his sister and saw the celebration had begun.

People filtered into the great hall to join in the festivities. Everyone in the Ross clan were thrilled to see their own Lady Caitrìona wed to the heir of the rich and prosperous Carlagh.

He took his sister around the perimeter of the hall and to the dais. The clan members milling about gave way, understanding the lady’s needs. They smiled and grasped her hand, hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, and gave her other indications they were on her side.

She sat to Roderick’s left. Roderick turned his back nearly the minute she sat. Alasdair saw, though Caitrìona was not looking. He took his seat at Caitrìona’s left. The two, sister and brother, had their heads close together, speaking quietly to each other. No one else could have heard them, anyway. The crowd became loud, rowdy, and even some ribald comments started. Alasdair looked at the guests and glared. Some of the men caught his eye and calmed the conversations down to more discreet and polite ones.

After Alasdair and Caitrìona sat, the lairds and ladies Ross and McCrory joined the noble guests at the high table. They had invited the priest, of course, and he was thankfully sitting very far from the newly betrothed.

M’ Laird, the priest muttered to Douglass.

Aye, Father? he asked.

I wasnae meaning tae, but I heard some verra concerning words from Laird Roderick while we awaited yer daughter at the altar, he said quietly so only Douglass could hear.

Aye? And what kinds of things could he have been saying on his wedding day? Douglass asked, knowing quite well what he was probably saying.

The young laird spoke of doing just what was required but returning tae his auld ways as soon as the consummation was done, he said, trying to be descriptive and polite at the same time.

Douglass scowled at Roderick whose eyes were set on the two wenches at the table before them. He asked his wife if she knew who those women were. She explained, causing Douglass to become even angrier. Why would he do that? he asked and slammed his hand down on the table at the very moment a serving lad put a goblet of wine in the same place. The goblet flew off the table and splattered wine all over Douglass and Lis.

Douglass growled, Lis jumped up and tried to rescue her light-blue gown from the deep red staining the front of her skirts. I am sorry, my love, he told her while he stood. He looked at Alasdair, his eyes asking him to tell Caitrìona he would return.

Douglass stepped off the dais and right up to Millie and Nellie. Ladies, Douglass said politely.

The two women looked sweetly at Douglass. Then, they looked at each other and waggled their eyebrows. They thought Laird Ross would invite them for a romp before the night was over.

Would ye come with me, please? he asked.

The two women giggled to each other and stood. They followed Douglass as he left the great hall. Roderick watched the man, his expression guarded. He did not know what Laird Ross was up to.

Douglass stepped into the corridor and out through the front door. He beckoned them with his index finger. They giggled again, smoothing their gowns, and trying to assert their breasts upward.

He walked toward the gatehouse and they followed willfully. Once he reached it, he motioned with his head to the guard. He stood up and nodded, taking the two women by the arms. Come with me, he said curtly.

The women’s eyebrows lifted, and they began to struggle but the guard’s large, strong hands were on their upper arms, moving them toward the gate. Douglass nodded at his guard and turned back to the keep.

When he returned, he noticed Roderick had left the table. He thought ‘good riddance’ but then worried for his daughter. He wondered where the man could have gone.

The guard escorted the two women through the gate. Before he could close it completely, a man jumped through the gate and stood beside them. If ye arenae invited, then I dinnae wish tae attend, he told them, wrapping his arms around their waists, and turning from the castle. Come, let us find a room for the night. I believe there is a village just beyond those trees. He pointed with his head.

The women giggled and wrapped their arms around his waist. Ye are such a bad lad! Millie said, nuzzling Roderick’s neck.

"Aye, ye should be at yer