― Carrick! Jenny!‖ Ian was sitting up weakly on the sofa, Olivia beside him. She had run out to tell Cat and Carrick that Ian had awakened asking for them; then she ran straight back to him.
―Ian.‖ Carrick pulled a chair beside him and heartily shook his shoulder. ―It does me good to see ye awake.‖
―It does me good to see ye both home,‖ Ian replied with a grin. ―I thought ye gone for good. And Jenny, it‘s twice I thought ye dead,‖ Ian shook his head in wonder.―Yer sister tells me Carrick calls ye Cat now because of yer nine lives. I will call ye Cat as well, I think.‖
―‗Tis fine, Ian.‖ Cat laughed with him. ―I hope to use no more lives, if ye dinna mind.‖
―It‘s great—er—wonderful.‖ Olivia‘s eyes danced with happiness. ―The family is reunited. And grandda said Ian is going to be fine.‖
―Well…‖ Ian hesitated. ―We dinna ken how soon I will walk, Olivia. He said I‘ll live, aye. But it could take time...‖
―Oh, aye. Ye will be up and around soon!‖ Olivia grabbed his hand and squeezed it. ―I will help ye when ye‘re ready. I promise.‖
―There ye have it then.‖ Carrick laughed. ―Ye have yer own nurse. How could ye no walk soon with such a motivation?‖
―Carrick.‖ Ian grew serious. ―Have ye spoken on matters wi‘ Geordie? We did the best we could while ye were away. I hope ye find it all to yer satisfaction.‖
―No yet.‖ Carrick rose to give Molly his chair. She had come in with a tray of soup and bread. She set the tray on the table and seated herself.
―I will speak wi‘ him soon,‘ Carrick continued. ―I‘m certain ye did a fine job, Ian, or I‘d no have asked ye to do it. We will speak more of it later, when ye‘re rested. There will be much to do and I will depend on ye, aye?‖
―Oh, aye, whatever ye need, Carrick!‖ His brother‘s approval caused Ian to glow. ―I willna let ye down,‖ he said, proud of his brother‘s confidence in him.
―I wouldna think otherwise,‖ Carrick answered firmly.
―Do ye yer business then.‖ Molly waved at Carrick. ―Ian must eat.‖ She stood to shoo Carrick and Cat from the room. ―Ye come back after his rest, aye?‖
Olivia rose to follow. ―Nay, Olivia, stay,‖ Ian protested. Olivia looked at Molly who nodded imperceptibly.
―Only if it willna tire ye.‖ She smiled at him.―I‘d be happy to.‖
Cat glanced back at Olivia. Olivia was illuminated by Ian‘s insistence that she stay. Ian, in turn, seemed enthralled by her sister. If Cat was not mistaken, something was brewing there. Pray God Olivia, always a bit flirtatious, would be careful with Ian, who was clearly enamored with her. Best keep a keen watch on them...and speak to Carrick.
Chapter Twelve
―It‘s good to have ye back.‖ A stocky, grizzled man rose and extended his hand to Carrick as they entered the study. ―I‘m happy to see ye well, lass.‖ He nodded to Cat.
―A nd ye, Geordie.‖ Carrick shook the older man‘s hand with a congenial slap on his back. ―Sit ye down and tell me how it goes. Are ye well? No trouble from the Sasunnach, I hope.‖
―Nay.‖ Geordie reseated himself. ―After firing the castle, they seemed to lose interest in much of this glen.‖
Cat made herself silently comfortable a few feet away, as memories of this stoic old friend swept her. Geordie had been at Beinn Fhithich since before Carrick was born. A boyhood friend of Laird Hugh, Carrick‘s father, Geordie had seen his share of sorrows and remained a cheerful, if reclusive, man. Nine years before, he lost his beloved wife and teenaged daughter to a fever which swept the glen. Alone since then, Geordie expressed his loss in hard work and fierce loyalty to Beinn Fhithich.
―I heard tell though,‖ Geordie‘s voice reached Cat through her meanderings, ―other parts of the glen are in ruin—burnt by the Butcher Cumberland. And Laird John arrested and taken off to London to boot. The Bonny Prince was given refuge at the castle during his escape. It seems Cumberland sought retribution the length of the Great Glen for it. Mayhap we are too far secluded to trouble, aye? It must ha‘ been personal that Camden saw fit to come so far.‖
Carrick leaned back in his chair at the desk and steepled his fingers thoughtfully. ――Aye, I s‘pose it was at that.‖ He nodded.―We must be wary, Geordie. The man threatened to return, and I am verra certain he will. He thinks me dead, and so he must continue to believe. ‗Tis my intention to make Ian the legal laird. He was no in the country during the rising and canna be blamed. I hope this will protect ye all, ken?‖
―Aye, I do.‖ Geordie nodded gravely. ―Ye do what ye must, then. Ian is competent, and ye will be here to guide him.‖
―I will. And you as well,‖ Carrick assured him. ―Simply a legal precaution I should ha‘ done before Culloden, to be sure.‖
Concern on his face, Carrick returned to obtaining the status of the estate.―So, no much damage to anyone else,‖ he restated with relief. ―Good then. And the fold?‖ he inquired of his factor, a man with thorough knowledge and experience of Highland cattle. One of the best cattlemen in Scotland.
―Scattered in the hills,‖ Geordie advised.―But none the worse for all we can tell. I ha‘ half the men out and about to be certain. The others are collecting the horses and stock. Yer stables will be full again soon. Yer Breamas and yer Solas are there now.‖ He referred to Carrick and Cat‘s horses, respectively.―They‘re ready for ye whenever ye need them.‖
Cat had forgotten about the mare. Some memories were still vague or non-existent, creeping back in when stimulated at times by only a word.
―A fine job, Geordie, as ever,‖ Carrick answered in approval. ―I‘ll ride out then and inspect the result.‖
―Aye, Carrick.‖ Geordie rubbed his grey-bearded chin. ―All will be ready for the Falkirk trysts come the Summer. I must say,‗tis a good thing the barley was in before ye left.‖ Geordie turned to the subject of the distillery. ―Ye‘ll have no trouble there. We can begin the malting when ye‘re able.‖
―Excellent.‖ Carrick nodded, calculating dates. ―We begin when I return from Inverness. ―I leave tomorrow. Make a list of necessaries, then.‖
―Aye.‖ Geordie thought through what was needed.―It willna be much. We are well-supplied for the now. If ye‘ll excuse me.‖ He rose stiffly and made to leave, casting a nod in Cat‘s direction. ―I‘d best be gettin‘ back to the tasks. Ye‘ll have the list tonight,‖ he affirmed, as he slipped out the door and was gone.
―Well, lass.‖ Carrick ran a hand through his hair and relaxed. The fear he had born for his people was lifted, and he felt a great need to inspect the estate to reassure himself. ―Do ye fancy a ride?‖
―Aye.‖ Cat rose and moved toward the door. ―I‘ll be a minute to change.‖ Then, in a whisper, ―I do wish I had my jeans,‖ she said with a mischievous smile and went off to find suitable clothing.
― Nice to see you, too,‖ Cat cooed to the white mare who nuzzled her affectionately. ―I‘m glad ye remember me.‖
―Of course, she would.‖ Carrick reached round Cat to pat the gentle animal.―Ye spoiled her near to pieces,‖ he teased. ―But do ye recall how she came to ye, Cat?‖
Cat beamed and turned to put her arms around Carrick‘s neck. ―Aye, I do.‖ She sparkled with the memory.―Ye gave her to me as a betrothal gift. The first horse I ever could call my own. I named her Solas, for Light. I‘ve not forgotten.‖
Carrick held her close and kissed her tenderly on the forehead. ―That was a proud day—the day ye accepted me. I was no certain ye‘d have me, after all.‖
―Oh, aye?‖ Cat teased back. ―How could a lass possibly resist a man on his knee in full Highland dress? I dinna believe it‘s possible.‖
Carrick laughed and hugged her closer. A demanding snort from behind him broke the embrace.
―Aye, Breamas, ye bit of mischief,‖ Carrick said to the red gelding over his shoulder. ―We‘re coming.‖ Then to Cat, ―Shall we go, mo leannan?‖
― He‘s adorable!‖
Cat exclaimed, smoothing the shaggy red hair of the calf.―I‘d forgotten how sweet Highland cattle are.‖
They had ridden up into the hills, awash in gold, purple, pink, and green—the hues of Highland wildflowers and flora. Coming upon a group of cattle, they dismounted to walk among them; Carrick checking each one for injuries or other issues as might arise.
―They seem sound enough,‖ he commented, running a sure hand down the front leg of the calf‘s mother. ―And aye, they are attractive beasts, and docile. Sturdy breed they are.‖
―I remember.‖ Cat nodded as the calf brought his head up under her arm to snuggle.―They withstand the climate well and forage nearly anything, aye?‖
―Ye remember well, Cat,‖ he confirmed. ―Everything seems well enough. Come.‖ He led her to Solas and put out a hand to help her mount. ―I wish to show ye something.‖
Carrick led the way through the braes and the small burns that rippled along the edges of the path. The heather was in bloom and cast a purple wave across the crags, mixed with the vibrant gold of gorse. The mellow fragrance of thyme rose from beneath the hooves of the horses as they made their way into a clearing within a thicket of pine. It opened to a magnificent waterfall rushing down the outcropping of granite into a pool so pure, Cat could actually smell the water.
―I wish I had a camera.‖ Cat sighed, holding Carrick‘s shoulders as he helped her to dismount. ―This is beyond words.‖ She closed her eyes to absorb the scents and music of the waterfall.
―I kent ye would like it.‖ Carrick twined his arm through hers and led her to a spot near the pool. He unrolled a blanket from under his other arm and spread it neatly.―I thought we‘d have a wee bite,‖ he said, gesturing for her to sit.
Cat lowered herself and sat quietly, watching as Carrick went to Breamas and returned with a linen sack. He retrieved a bottle of wine, along with some bread and cheese, and placed them carefully before her.
―I know this place,‖ Cat said softly, receiving the glass of wine Carrick offered. ―This is where we were betrothed.‖
―Aye.‖ Carrick nodded, clearly pleased with her memory. ―It is. And ‗tis also where I first met ye.‖ He waited patently—hopefully—for her to recall.
Cat closed her eyes and let her mind fill with images of herself as a girl. Fourteen-years-old she was, chasing a lamb up the hillside. The frisky animal had been missing for a couple of days when she took it upon herself to search for it. She spied it, at last, near a stand of pine up the hill where her father‘s land abutted Laird MacDonell‘s pastures. She chased the lamb into the clearing and stumbled onto a clear pool fed by a waterfall.
―Are ye remembering?‖ Carrick asked tentatively, not wishing to interrupt her recollections.
Cat sighed contentedly.―Oh, aye,‖ she answered with a laugh, her eyes full of humor. ―I was chasing that daft lamb and near fell over ye. Ye were napping here by the pool and I didna see ye amongst the bracken.‖
Carrick laughed along with her. ―Ye took me quite by surprise, and I wasna napping.‖
―No?‖ Cat poked at him. ―Inspecting the grass, then?‖
―Mayhap.‖ He grinned, and pulled her into his arms. ―But whatever I was doing, I ha‘ loved ye from that moment to this,‖ he swore, as he kissed her onto her back. The sparkle of late afternoon sun, filtered through pine, showered them as Cat‘s memory broadened.
―I remember bathing here,‖ she whispered, the sensuality and sudden need engulfing her.
―Would ye like to bathe now?‖ Carrick sat up and looked back at her.
―I was wishing for a shower only this morning.‖ Cat turned her back to him.―This would be wonderful.‖ She gestured toward the laces down her back. ―Would ye mind?‖
―Aye, if I can join ye.‖ He began to loosen the ties, and soon had them undone. Cat let the bodice fall into her lap as Carrick ran his hands up around her breasts, stroking them as he lightly kissed her shoulders.
―Now you.‖ Cat turned suddenly and helped him off with his shirt. It always took her anew to see him this way—always as if it were the first time.
Quivering with desire, they undressed each other and slipped into the pool. Cat floated on her back, letting the golden curls of her hair flow and spread like fern in the water. She reveled in the bluest sky above—not a cloud in sight. Surely this was the closest one could be to heaven; this place of solitude with the purity of the water and sky. And Carrick with her, always by her side.
―Daydreaming?‖ Carrick broke her reverie, coming up beside her.
―I suppose.‖ She turned to touch her toes to the bottom and stand before him, rivulets running down her shoulders and breasts. ―I was thinking how perfect it is here. The elegant simplicity of nature.‖
―Well said,‖ Carrick agreed, taking her hand and leading her toward the waterfall. ―A shower my lady wishes, a shower she shall have.‖
Finding a natural step in the granite, Carrick helped Cat up and they stood behind the waterfall in a space that seemed designed for just this purpose.
Carrick knelt and drank the water flowing down her thighs as she gave herself up to the caresses of his tongue. He slowly, lovingly caressed her inner folds with his mouth and gentle fingers, spreading her to explore deeper. She ran her fingers through his wet hair, curled into gentle auburn waves by the fall‘s mist. She whispered his name over and again in a delicate building of passion.
When she could not endure another moment, she reached for his hands and urged him to stand. She tenderly guided him back against the granite wall behind him, the fall a curtain against her back.
As the mist surrounded them, Cat knelt and kissed his thighs, carefully avoiding his most private areas to heighten his arousal. A guttural sigh escaped Carrick and he managed to say, ―Caitriona, no, ye mustn‘t…ye canna…mo leannan…‖
Cat continued, despite his protests, licking, sucking, and kissing, until she took him fully into her mouth and deep into her throat.
Carrick could tolerate no more of this ecstatic torment and pulled her up to him, briskly turning her around against the granite wall. He deftly lifted her up and onto him, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist, her arms tight around his neck as he filled her with his creamy juices—the coldness of the granite in contrast to their warm bodies intensifying the climax.
Sated, Carrick released her to stand, holding her tightly against him.
―Carrick.‖ Still catching her breath and regaining her sense, Cat pointed to the curtain of water. ―Look! A rainbow!‖
Carrick straightened, then pulled her more closely to him, holding her head against his chest. ―A promise of God‘s protection,‖ he said, the hope in his voice warming Cat‘s soul.
―Let it be so,‖ she prayed. ―Please, let it be true.‖
― Ye leave in the morning, then?‖ Hamish addressed Carrick from his place across the dining table. ―Perhaps ye would be good enough to bring some medicines for me? That is, if ye can find them.‖
Carrick swallowed a bite of venison stew before answering. ―Of course.‖ He nodded.―We will do our best for ye, Hamish. I only hope we can find what ye need.‖
Glancing quickly at Molly, Hamish smiled. ―Not a problem, Carrick. I consulted with Morag and sorted it out. And ye should have no difficulty locating laudanum.‖
―Good then.‖ Carrick put down his fork. ―Ye will be in good hands, mother,‖ he said to Molly, who was listening intently.
―Oh, aye,‖ she agreed. ―Hamish and I will get along fine. We are old friends, after all.‖ She shot a look at Hamish, who appeared suddenly strained. ―Isna that true, Hamish?‖
―Aye, Molly,‖ he hesitated briefly. He had a strange sensation of déjà vu—as though he had been at this table, sitting next to this woman before. ―Old friends, indeed.‖
―Is everything all right, grandda?‖ Olivia whispered on his other side, as Molly and Carrick continued discussing what needed to be done while he was away. ―Ye look odd.‖
―Not to worry, elf.‖ Hamish squeezed her hand. ――Bit of déjà vu is all.‖
―Seems to be going around.‖ Olivia squeezed back.―I‘ve had a good deal of it myself lately. I wonder what it means?‖
―Probably nothing,‖ he reassured her. ―Eat up, Olivia. Ian will need ye strong when he wakes again.‖
―Aye, he will.‖ She smiled softly. ―The honey will truly work to heal his wounds?‖ Olivia had watched carefully when Hamish redressed Ian‘s ankles that afternoon. He had applied a salve of raw honey to the areas before wrapping them.
―Honey is a natural antibiotic, as I told ye,‖ Hamish said. ―Ye‘ll see how fast he heals now.‖
―What is an antibiotic?‖ Molly interrupted, a suspicious gleam in her eyes.
―Oh.‖ Hamish was caught unaware, thinking her preoccupied with Carrick. ―It‘s a—a medicine against infection, Molly.‖
―Something new from Edinburgh, I suppose?‖ Her tone slightly sarcastic.
―Actually, Molly…‖ Hamish drew himself up in his chair. He knew he was being challenged. ―Honey has been known to prevent and cure infection, among many other healing uses, for hundreds of years. Surely Morag knows this.‖
―Aye,‖ Morag agreed from her place at the table‘s end. ―Honey is a fine remedy. Just not always to hand, ye ken?‖
―Oh.‖ Molly sat back, chagrined. ―Well then, we must take extra care of the hives.‖ She cast her eyes back onto her plate and resumed eating in silence.
―Morag is going to teach me about herbs and remedies while ye are gone, Cat,‖ Olivia broke the uncomfortable silence.
―A fine idea.‖ Cat smiled at her sister. It would, she hoped, keep Olivia occupied and out of trouble for a time. ―And I will try to find ye some paints and brushes if ye like.‖
―Oh, Cat!‖ Olivia cried happily. ―That would be wonderful! There is so much to paint here.‖
Molly looked up at Cat quizzically. ―My wee sister is an artist,‖ Cat explained. ―She came to us without supplies.‖
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