The Fox, page 4
“I understand ye have gone through a hard time,” her aunt began. “However, ye must do yer best to control yer emotions. Ye are not reckless by nature. A bit feisty, aye, I grant ye, but to have injured my son that is not acceptable.”
Heat surged up from her neck, and she was sure her face burned a bright red. “I do not know what came over me. I just keep seeing them.”
Her already tender eyes stung with unshed tears. “My recklessness is what gave those men the opportunity for the attack. I cannot stop thinking about the horrible sight when they attacked Gavin and left him for dead. All because of me.”
“It was not yer fault. Those men’s actions were their own choice.”
“If I had not gone out alone. It would not have happened. It is absolutely my fault.”
“And now ye are rude to men in an effort not to give them thoughts that could lead to it happening again?”
Glynis hung her head with no idea why she did anything as of late. It was as if her body and mind were not connected and her actions instinctive. Caelan had not meant any harm; however, her reaction had been so violent. Not called for in the least.
“What is happening to me?” Glynis covered her face as tears slid down her cheeks. “I am damaged, Aunt Mariel. I do not think to ever recover from this.”
“Ye will, but ye must be patient.”
She worried about facing Caelan when he returned from the village. One word from him and she could be sent back. There would be no questioning his response to what she’d done.
“Would ye like to make bread pudding?” her aunt asked, catching her off guard.
“Pudding?” she repeated, unsure why her aunt would plan to cook at a time like this. “Aye, of course. It is my favorite.”
Her aunt pushed the cup into her hands. “Very well. Drink this. Wash yer face. And meet me in the kitchen.”
Admittedly, while tearing the stale bread into chunks and then stirring together the milk, eggs, honey, and spices, Glynis was able to take her mind from her troubles.
“Pour the egg mixture over the crumbs,” her aunt directed as she chopped figs and a pair of peeled apples.
Once they mixed everything together, they wrapped the mixture in a cloth to steam it. Whilst the pudding steamed, they drank hot cider just outside the door. The combination of the heat of the kitchen at their backs and the feeble sunlight on their legs made for a perfect repose.
“I wish I could have a home such as this,” Glynis said wistfully. “I may ask Father to build a cottage where I can live alone and spend my days gardening, cooking, and sewing. I do not require anything else.”
Her aunt let out a sigh. “I must admit to finding life here away from all the comings and goings of the keep, rather relaxing. However, after a fortnight, I am more than ready to return to my life there.”
“I do not know what to do?” Glynis admitted. “I do not wish to return home. My brother, although recovered, will never be the same. His face is disfigured forever. Each time I see him, I want to cry.”
“Were the men caught?”
Glynis shrugged. “The one my brother injured was. The other two are still about somewhere. When I ask about it, I am told not to fret.”
“Oh, dear. I am sure they will be caught eventually.” Her aunt patted her hand. “But ye must decide what to do with yer life, Glynis. Ye cannot hide from things. I understand how ye must feel—”
“If ye wish me to return home I will. I do not want to be a burden. Especially given what I did.” Tears spilled down her cheeks and Glynis sniffed loudly. Thankfully, Maisie and Grace had invited Clara to visit their family and would be gone for a few days, so her distress didn’t have more witnesses.
Her aunt gave her a stern look. “Stop yer crying Dear. I do not think ye are ready to return home.”
Glynis nodded. “I will try. I promise.”
“Good lass.” After a hesitation, she added, “Speak with Caelan. He is very patient and as I’ve told ye, he does not hold grudges. Not with family.” Her aunt smiled and it was obvious she was very fond of Caelan.
Her aunt continued. “As a young man, he was teased mercilessly because of his accent and being so different. Every time it happened, he would seek me out and we would speak about it. Most of the time he defended those who treated him badly, understanding that they found him different.”
“He allowed it to continue?” Glynis was surprised that he would be so forgiving.
Her aunt chuckled. “He never got the chance to do much about it. My other sons ensured anyone who mistreated Caelan was taught a lesson. Oftentimes, sending the offender off with a limp or blackened eye.”
“It is nice to have family defend ye,” Glynis said with a sigh. “My brothers are the same.”
“Ye would do the same for them would ye not? Ye’d rather suffer an injury than allow one of them to be hurt.”
Glynis had not considered that her brother felt that way. He’d often repeated to her that given the choice, he’d do the same again.
“Aye, I would, a thousand times over.”
They remained sipping their cider in silence, the aroma of the steamed pudding wafting around them.
“It smells delightful.” Cait walked into the kitchen looking well rested from her nap. “We should start last meal. Although, I am at a loss as to what to cook today.”
“A simple chicken stew will do,” Aunt Mariel replied. “I’ve already asked one of the lads to see about killing two chickens and plucking them clean. All we must do is find some potatoes and carrots. There are already onions in the baskets there.” She pointed to a gardening basket on one of the shelves.
“I will make bread,” Glynis offered and stood up.
Cait hugged her, the action sending warm tendrils of caring through her. “I am so glad ye came here, Glynis. Ye will find happiness, I just know it.”
“Do not make her cry again,” her aunt said with a huff. “Go on now, each of ye to yer tasks.”
It was much later when the deep voices of the men sounded in the front room. Glynis’ stomach tumbled. She had to face Caelan and apologize.
Her aunt didn’t seem to notice that she hesitated at putting bread into a platter to be served. Loaf held in her hand as she listened to the voices.
Moments later, Stuart rushed into the kitchen and wrapped Cait in a hug from behind as she placed bowls onto a tray. Cait smiled up at her husband who kissed her temple.
“Whatever it is yer cooking smells delicious,” Stuart said grinning at her and his mother. “We are quite hungry.”
“I am sure Bree fed ye well. Ye have just turned into gluttons,” her aunt teased.
“True,” Artair said entering the kitchen. “We restrained and did not eat any of the meat pies she sent to ye.” He lifted a basket. “There are six in here.”
“Six?” Her aunt took the basket. “That means ye each ate one.”
Artair frowned. “Why would ye think that?”
Her aunt rolled her eyes. “Because Bree would have sent one for Masie, Grace, and Carla, as well. She did not know they’d not be here.”
Stuart laughed. “Mother ye are very intelligent.”
“Which means, the lot of ye are not that hungry.”
Caelan entered and stood at the door with his arms crossed and a warm expression on his face. His lips curved at the interchange between his stepmother and the others. “I did not eat one. Artair ate two.”
When his stepmother glared at Artair, Caelan laughed.
Artair glowered. “Ye did not have to tell.”
Caelan looked at her as she tried her best to blend into the background. Glynis was sure to present a horrible sight. Swollen eyes, flour on her face, and disheveled hair.
Caelan studied her for a moment, his gaze moving from her face to the bread tray. Then to her utter shock, his lips curved. Not into a wide smile, but just enough that she let out a breath, her gaze locking with his.
After the meal ended, she insisted she be allowed to clean up alone. Her aunt looked tired and Cait was preoccupied with her husband. Artair had gone to his house and she assumed Caelan was either in the front room or in his bedchamber.
She emptied the leftovers into a bucket and carried it out to the pigpen. She’d noted that was what Maisie did after every meal. Having added stale bread to the bucket there was plenty, and she was glad because two rather rotund pigs greeted her with loud happy grunts as she emptied the contents into their trough.
She went to the well and got water to rinse out the bucket so it would not stink in the kitchen. Then she refilled it with clean water to use to finish the cleaning.
In the kitchen she scrubbed the trays and table, then wrapped the leftover bread pudding in a thick cloth so they could slice it and reheat it in the morning.
“Ye are quite adept at chores.” A deep voice made her jump and turn to see who it was. Although she recognized it to be Caelan, she had to be sure.
“Everyone helps out in my home. We all cook, clean, and take care of the livestock. It is a good thing I think.” Glynis spoke without looking at him directly.
“It is good.” He walked around the table and lifted a kettle.
“What are ye doing? I can do it for ye.” She watched as he walked around the kitchen, seeming at ease in the space.
“I like to drink tea in the evening and usually make it myself.”
“Tea?” Glynis frowned. “Is that boiled herbs?”
“Dried herbs, yes. Tea leaves.” He produced a pouch and held it out to her.
Not sure what to do, she took it and sniffed it. It was a rather pleasant smell, which made her curious to know how it tasted.
“I will make enough so ye can taste it,” Caelan said. He filled the kettle with water, placed it on a hook and then put it over the fire.
While the water heated, he found two cups and then walked out. Moments later, he returned with milk.
“I must apologize profusely,” Glynis finally said watching him place the dried herbs into a smaller linen pouch. “I cannot forgive myself for what I did. Can ye ever forgive me?”
His blue gaze met hers for a short instant. “I do not know what ye went through, but it does not excuse what ye did.”
He’d not accepted her apology. His tone although not cold, was not warm either. It was as if he spoke about nothing more than the weather.
“How do ye feel?” Glynis asked.
“Riding all day has kept ye on the forefront of my mind.”
“Oh.” Glynis wasn’t sure what she could do. “My aunt suggested a cold compress…” she hesitated. “I can get some cloths and a bowl of water. I am sure it will be soothing.”
After seeping the tea bags and adding milk, he handed her a cup and then stood with the other cup in his hand. “I will take ye up on the cold compress. I will await ye in my bedchamber.” With that he walked out.
Glynis had not meant to do it for him, but to provide the items. She bit her bottom lip. “I do owe it to him to ensure he does not suffer.”
Letting out a breath, she tasted the tea and found it very delicious. Once she brought Caelan the water and cloths, she would sit and drink it.
This was certainly a very trying day.
Chapter Five
It was cruel of him to ask Glynis to see about his injury. He had planned to apply cold compresses before going to sleep in hopes of not waking up sore. Glynis had kneed him hard, and his bruised sack remained tender. The horseback riding had not helped in the least.
It was good that she offered to bring the water and cloths. That way he could remove his britches and sit in only his long tunic while enjoying his tea and allowing the sore area a reprieve from constriction.
Moments later there was a soft knock and she pushed the already half ajar door open further. She peered in, her gaze automatically going to his bare legs.
“The water is very chilled,” she said softly placing a bowl on the small table next to him. Then she produced two folded cloths. “See that ye do not get the floor too wet.”
With that, she looked to his legs again then turned and hurried to the door.
Caelan stood. “Glynis.”
She froze and turned slowly. “Aye?”
He stood and closed the distance between them. Caelan peered down at her. So close to her, he had to fight the urge to touch her. The soft edge of her jawline that led to a rather desirable long neck was made for lingering kisses.
“It is kind of ye to bring me the water.”
Her eyes rounded at his nearness. A slow pink color traveled from her neck up to her cheeks, and when her lips parted, he could not look away.
“It is the least I could do,” she replied, surprising him. “My actions were uncalled for and ye are still in pain.”
He couldn’t help the smile that curved his lips. “Aye, I am.”
“I am so very sorry.” She started to turn away, but he took her arm. This time gently.
“Why do ye fight so hard?”
“I do not fight,” Glynis looked to where his hand wrapped around her upper arm. “I should go.” Lifting her chin, she gave him a challenging look.
Later he would realize that he’d done all in his power to keep her from leaving his room. However in that moment, without knowing why, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips then released her arm.
With a sharp intake of breath, Glynis’ gaze bore into his and then to his shock, she rolled her eyes, turned, and walked out.
Caelan couldn’t help but chuckle at her reaction. It was the first time a lass acted as if he had absolutely no idea how to kiss. To his annoyance, it felt like a challenge. To convince Glynis that he could kiss her senseless. He wanted very much to kiss her again and this time elicit a very different reaction.
No sooner did Caelan wake, than there was a knock on his door. He opened it to find the guard who’d gone to speak to Darach.
“What is it?” he asked wondering why the man came to him.
“Artair said to come speak to ye. He was mounted and heading to the village when I arrived a few moments ago.”
The young guard had been in the family’s service since a lad and now was one of their best scouts. “The laird said to tell ye he will be sending one hundred men and they will arrive by tonight. Once that happens, he wishes for ye to go see about the encroachers and warn them off.”
For the most part, Caelan was rarely part of any battle plan. He remained on the fringes of such things, unless specifically ordered to do something different by his brother. The only time he’d not had to be asked was when one of his brother’s life was threatened. Otherwise, he stayed behind to stand in for Darach.
This time he understood why he was ordered to go. Stuart had a wife and a bairn on the way, so Darach preferred that he remain in his role of archer, in the safety of the archer ranks behind the warriors.
On the other hand, because he was an accomplished swordsman, Caelan would be the one negotiating and approaching the men who were gathering on the shore.
“Go and seek yer rest. I will see about speaking to my brother and ensuring all will be ready when the warriors arrive.”
Upon entering the dining hall, the only people awake were Glynis and his stepmother. They were in the kitchen talking softly while drinking something in cups. He suspected his stepmother had found his stash of tea.
“Stepmother,” he said in greeting and then looked at Glynis, “Glynis.”
His stepmother waved him closer. “Ye must procure more of this for me. I find it a perfect thing to drink in the morning.”
“I brought ye a parcel of it last year. It must still be in the kitchen at the keep.” Caelan went past them to the tea kettle. “When do the cooks return?”
“Tomorrow,” Glynis replied. “Is there something ye require that is not provided for ye?” Her tone was flat. Disinterested.
Caelan couldn’t help but give her a challenging look. “Darach is sending one hundred men. They arrive tomorrow, probably late in the day.”
“Ah,” his stepmother said, not seeming to be bothered by the news of a hundred more mouths to feed. “I will ask the young lads to see about butchering a pig.”
Just then Stuart walked in, his gaze moving from Glynis and his mother’s cups to the fire.
“There is a porridge boiling and we will toast leftover bread pudding,” their mother said by way of greeting.
Glynis stood and began the task of slicing the bread pudding and within moments, bowls of porridge and toasted pudding were prepared for them along with cups of cider.
“She is proficient,” Stuart said, seeming surprised. “Strange.”
“Glynis informed me yesterday that she and her mother share in the household duties in her home,” Caelan told his brother as they walked out of the kitchen.
Moments later, Artair, Cait, Glynis, and his stepmother joined them in the dining room to enjoy first meal.
“Why are the men coming?” his stepmother asked.
Stuart gave him a look to ensure he softened his reply.
“This territory has been neglected for too long. The men must familiarize themselves with every part of Ross lands.”
“Are ye going with them?” Cait asked, her gaze pinning Stuart with a look stating she knew they were leaving something out.
“Aye,” Stuart replied. “These are my lands and I too need to ensure I know every part. It is necessary in order to keep our family as safe as possible.”
“What about the ledgers?” Cait continued. “Ye and Caelan have barely spent any time.”
“I will spend several more days tutoring my thickheaded brother before I leave, I assure ye,” Caelan told her. “And I am not so far away that I cannot return occasionally to help.”
Stuart looked to Artair. “Ye do not have to go.”
Understanding that his cousin was charging him with protecting the house, Artair nodded. “Aye, I have much to do here.”
