look of surprise. “My sister is no’ a threat. She’s too meek and too stupid to tell anyone what she saw, and besides, she knows better than to cross me.”
Elizabeth waited while this information slowly penetrated Calum’s consciousness. “Surely you can see that if she was going to tell someone, she would have already done so?” she added, her tone now coaxing and reassuring. Flashing her most inviting smile, she beckoned him back to her bed. Perhaps there was still time to salvage something from this disappointing evening after all. “Trust me, my love. We have naught to fear from my dimwitted sister. What we have between us shall remain between us – I promise you that.” She could see the skepticism in his eyes give way to surprise and desire as she reached down, caressing him with gentle, deliberate strokes. “I always get what I want, don’t I?” she cooed. “And right now, what I want is you. Inside me. Again.”
Chapter 7
With the harvest behind them, the clan had turned its attention to ensuring their produce received the best possible price at market. Fish, wool, cloth, livestock and grains were taken to the port city of Banff where the Earl and Iain negotiated the sale of their goods. Much was sold locally, but the majority was contracted to merchants who loaded the items on their ships with plans to sell the items abroad. In addition to selling off a large quantity of the sheep from their herd, the clan had produced enough extra grain, soap, honey and wool to sell at the market. The women had been busy weaving for several months, and as a result, there were numerous bolts of plaids and other cloth to be sold for a healthy profit. The lucrative season ensured the clan would not have to go without during the harsh winter months.
Catriona had spent the morning reviewing financial records with her father, a practice they undertook but two or three times a year. Though she had always excelled at bookkeeping, her father found such tasks difficult and tedious, and relied upon his youngest child to ensure they were properly managed. It was early afternoon before the accounts had been reconciled, and her father had dismissed her after offering a grudging thanks for her assistance. The day had dawned bright and clear, with only a trace of clouds in the bright sky. Knowing that she wouldn’t be missed for a few hours, Catriona impulsively decided to take Lily for a ride that afternoon. She would have a chance to check in on some of the crofters before the winter weather made it more difficult to travel, and with any luck, she might have enough time left to make a visit to the Red Well.
After she’d changed into a shirt and pair of trews that Iain had long since outgrown, Catriona made her way to the stables. Rabbie was busy helping the blacksmith shoe several of the horses they had recently purchased at market, so Catriona insisted on readying Lily herself. Grateful to see her mistress again, the animal cooperated while Catriona placed the heavy saddle on her back, synching the strap tightly to anchor it. Catriona was leading Lily out of the stable when Elizabeth stormed into the yard, dressed in a fine riding outfit of blue velvet with shiny, black leather riding boots.
Catriona cringed inwardly at the sight of her sister, but refused to show evidence of her dread. Any sign of weakness on her part would only spur Elizabeth on in her insults. Fortunately, her sister seemed to be paying her little mind as she rudely shouted at the men. “I need my horse now, lad, and if you think I have any intention of waiting, you’ll be in for a brutal surprise.” Elizabeth’s shrill voice echoed through the stables, and Rabbie quickly came running to do her bidding.
Catriona cursed softly under her breath, knowing she couldn’t avoid her sister at the cost of leaving Rabbie to suffer in her stead. With a sigh of resignation she held up her hand.
Elizabeth waited while this information slowly penetrated Calum’s consciousness. “Surely you can see that if she was going to tell someone, she would have already done so?” she added, her tone now coaxing and reassuring. Flashing her most inviting smile, she beckoned him back to her bed. Perhaps there was still time to salvage something from this disappointing evening after all. “Trust me, my love. We have naught to fear from my dimwitted sister. What we have between us shall remain between us – I promise you that.” She could see the skepticism in his eyes give way to surprise and desire as she reached down, caressing him with gentle, deliberate strokes. “I always get what I want, don’t I?” she cooed. “And right now, what I want is you. Inside me. Again.”
Chapter 7
With the harvest behind them, the clan had turned its attention to ensuring their produce received the best possible price at market. Fish, wool, cloth, livestock and grains were taken to the port city of Banff where the Earl and Iain negotiated the sale of their goods. Much was sold locally, but the majority was contracted to merchants who loaded the items on their ships with plans to sell the items abroad. In addition to selling off a large quantity of the sheep from their herd, the clan had produced enough extra grain, soap, honey and wool to sell at the market. The women had been busy weaving for several months, and as a result, there were numerous bolts of plaids and other cloth to be sold for a healthy profit. The lucrative season ensured the clan would not have to go without during the harsh winter months.
Catriona had spent the morning reviewing financial records with her father, a practice they undertook but two or three times a year. Though she had always excelled at bookkeeping, her father found such tasks difficult and tedious, and relied upon his youngest child to ensure they were properly managed. It was early afternoon before the accounts had been reconciled, and her father had dismissed her after offering a grudging thanks for her assistance. The day had dawned bright and clear, with only a trace of clouds in the bright sky. Knowing that she wouldn’t be missed for a few hours, Catriona impulsively decided to take Lily for a ride that afternoon. She would have a chance to check in on some of the crofters before the winter weather made it more difficult to travel, and with any luck, she might have enough time left to make a visit to the Red Well.
After she’d changed into a shirt and pair of trews that Iain had long since outgrown, Catriona made her way to the stables. Rabbie was busy helping the blacksmith shoe several of the horses they had recently purchased at market, so Catriona insisted on readying Lily herself. Grateful to see her mistress again, the animal cooperated while Catriona placed the heavy saddle on her back, synching the strap tightly to anchor it. Catriona was leading Lily out of the stable when Elizabeth stormed into the yard, dressed in a fine riding outfit of blue velvet with shiny, black leather riding boots.
Catriona cringed inwardly at the sight of her sister, but refused to show evidence of her dread. Any sign of weakness on her part would only spur Elizabeth on in her insults. Fortunately, her sister seemed to be paying her little mind as she rudely shouted at the men. “I need my horse now, lad, and if you think I have any intention of waiting, you’ll be in for a brutal surprise.” Elizabeth’s shrill voice echoed through the stables, and Rabbie quickly came running to do her bidding.
Catriona cursed softly under her breath, knowing she couldn’t avoid her sister at the cost of leaving Rabbie to suffer in her stead. With a sigh of resignation she held up her hand.
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