Free Dawn Annis by Highlander's Ransom

men with wives at their sides. Apparently Shane did not have a wife either, as a lady of the house had not greeted her upon her arrival or since. Again, her stomach fluttered. Kate admonished herself for her attraction to him. What am I doing? Admit it. The man was dangerously handsome and not the least bit interested in me.
    The women she’d seen in the hall at the meal had retired to a sitting area in the corner to talk and sew. None had come to invite her to join them so she chose to go her own way and not intrude.
    Kate finally went to her room. She was surprised and pleased to find a book of poems had been left on the mantle of the fireplace. Sitting on the spacious chair near the fire, with her legs curled up and a quilt tucked around her, she passed a very pleasant afternoon.
    The evening sky blazed reds and oranges from the window onto to the pages when Merta knocked and entered.
    “M’lady, the MacGregor has left the castle. He dinna say when he would return.”
    “I’m confused. When we spoke, he said he would see me this evening,” Kate said.
    “I canna tell ye more.”
    Merta solemnly closed the door.
    Kate sat mulling over this news until irritation set in. She straightened in the chair. She crossed her arms and legs, her toe tapping. Did she miss something? Their morning had been wonderful. She enjoyed his company. He left for God knew how long without giving her leave to return to her home. How long was this expected to go on? She did not fear the MacGregor, simply because of what Merta said to her the night before. However, she also had not received her apology from him as Merta said nor had she been sent home.
    Merta returned a bit later to bring Kate a supper tray as she noticed Kate had not come down for the evening meal. Kate was pacing the room, chewing on her fingernail.
    “What can I do to ease yer mind, m’lady?” Merta inquired. “I canna tell ye the MacGregor’s plan. He has not shared it with me. I have been warned about speakin’ out of turn. I got myself an earful from him.”
    Kate stopped. “Oh, Merta. I am so sorry you were scolded on my behalf. He was wrong.”
    Merta held up her hand. “Nay, he was right. Though, he has never said a cross word to me ‘til today.”
    Kate nodded and ceded the point.
    “Tell me about yourself. Since we must wait upon him, we might as well learn more about one another.” Kate sat down and urged Merta to do the same.
    “There is not much story to tell. I come to the MacGregors with my husband. Lord tell ye, must be forty years or so ago. He was the steward. When he died, I took over.”
    “Surely there was some difficulty there. Losing your husband and having to run this massive operation,” Kate said with sympathy.
    “Aye, there were moments.” Merta wiped a tear from her eye. “I got them all workin’.” Merta gave a watery chuckle.
    Kate smiled. “Tell me more about the family.” She wanted to get some idea about the laird and his family. She didn’t want to admit it but she was intrigued with Shane.
    “I was with Shane’s mother, Elizabeth, when Shane was born and again when the next boy, William came into the world. I helped Elizabeth when she gave birth to a wee boy fifteen years ago. I stood with Shane, William, and their father when they buried the bairn and his beloved mother.”
    “Oh, my.” Kate put her hand to her mouth. “Such heartache.”
    Merta wiped away more tears. “'Tis a hard thing, to lose family.”
    “I lost my mother a few years ago,” Kate shared. “You go on with life but the sorrow never quite leaves you.”
    Merta leaned over a squeezed Kate’s hand.
    “I watched the lads grow into the men. Shane has never raised his voice to me until today. I worry on him. He is carrying a tremendous duty. Enough.” Merta stood. “Ye must eat. Ye are too thin.”
    Kate chuckled and sat down to the table. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you, Merta, for keeping me company.”
    Merta winked. “Yer a good lass. That’s