To Dream of a Highlander(38)

“What happened?”

“’Twas a long time ago. She, Alice, died giving birth. The babe died with her—a girl.”

“I didnae know.”

“Finn doesnae speak on it. In truth, I know little myself. I was married off by then and we scarcely saw Finn while a clan war raged on Glencolum lands.” Catriona caught the sadness in Lorna’s eyes before her expression shuttered.

“I am sorry.”

Lorna waved a hand. “Well, my point is that should ye need someone to speak with...”

“Be assured I have no fears about my impending nuptials.” Aside from the fact they might actually happen, she corrected herself.

The marriage bed held little interest to her until recently. Until Finn. She’d been around enough animals and lovers to know what it entailed, heard enough gossip to understand the pleasure it might bring—had even become confident in the art of her own pleasure—but never had she considered how it would feel to take a lover. Finn’s arousal pressing into her skirts as he held her that day on the wall or when he had kissed her so passionately sparked all kinds of imaginings.

“Will ye no’ tell me what plagues ye then, Katelyn?”

Jerking from her thoughts, Catriona looked into Lorna’s pale blue eyes—eyes that were so very similar to her brothers—and patted Lorna’s hand. Yer brother, she wanted to say, even as the words in her mind made her face burn. She hadn’t seen him since last night. What did he think of that kiss? Mayhap it had been nothing more than a move to comfort her. Mayhap it meant little to him.

“Naught,” she assured Lorna, “save that it has been a trying time and… and I miss my home.”

Why did she admit to that? Was it Lorna’s kindness or a need to at least share some of her worries?

Lorna nodded slowly. “That I can understand, but ye will make yerself a new home before long, just as I did here.” She motioned around the elegant room. “And a new family too.”

With a wry smile, Catriona toyed with the folds of her gown as she considered her dead sister and cruel father. “A new family might be pleasant. I confess there are some people I dinnae miss on Bute.”

“Ye have been mistreated,” Lorna mused and that slight dip of sorrow creased her brow briefly.

Catriona longed to understand what caused those momentary flashes of pain almost as much as Lorna patently wanted the same from her. In any other circumstances they could be good friends and share whatever ills burdened them, but secrets and a foolish promise still held her back.

Straightening, Catriona squeezed Lorna’s hand. “I am well enough. I have suffered no worse than anyone else. Indeed, I have been well-treated most of my life. The siege and all that has happened since has been… a trial, but naught I cannot overcome.”

She spoke the truth. Aye, her father was no loving man but she had the servants who had helped raise her show her what true kindness was—and the memories of her mother. Time away from the keep—and her family—had usually kept her in positive spirits. Who could live on such a beautiful island and not be content?

“Ye sound so very much like me,” Lorna observed with a grin. She chuckled. “Alas, I know many men, my brother included, who would think us fragile wee things, but they shouldnae underestimate us womenfolk.”

Catriona failed to resist a giggle at Lorna’s determined tone. The woman was surely a force with which to be reckoned. “I dinnae think anyone would underestimate ye, Lorna. A stronger woman I have never met.”

The woman tucked a strand of fair hair behind her ear and tilted her lips. “My men are well used to listening to my commands and will fight long and hard for me, but there are many who are anxious for the day I have a new husband.”

“And that day shall be soon?”

“If Laird Gillean has anything to do with it, aye. But I have fought off any potential suitors so far. Mayhap I can continue to seem unmarriageable and I shall spend the rest of my days alone.”

“Alone? Surely not? And all yer men seem most loyal. Why, Logan....”

A creak of hinges made her head snap around and Finn ducked into the room, looking sheepish.

“Forgive me....”

Lorna got to her feet and Catriona followed suit, smoothing the heavy silk over her hips. Finn stared at her, his gaze tracing her from head to toe and she dropped her gaze to the floor, hands clenched tightly in front.

“Finn?” Lorna prompted. “What is so urgent that ye must enter my chambers without even a knock?”

“What?”

Catriona lifted her head to see his confused expression. He blinked and snapped his attention to his sister.