Chapter Twenty-Two #2
His brother leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed.
“Nay. I’m just curious as to why yer new wife, who should be smiling brightly after her wedding night, has been stomping around the place all morning, growling at everyone.
” He shook his head. “Not well done, brother. If yer having a problem keeping the lass satisfied, I will be happy to step in and—”
Within seconds, Evan was on top of his brother, the chair flying to the floor, his hands around his neck. “Dinnae even suggest such a thing if ye value yer sorry arse.”
Instead of fear, the fool burst into laughter, making Evan want to knock him senseless. “Maybe ye should take some of that fury and put it to good use,” Alasdair said between gulps of air.
Evan shoved his brother away and stood, pulling on his shirt cuffs. “I have no problem pleasing my wife, and there isnae anything wrong with her. She’s busy, as I am, and probably dinnae have time for yer silly jokes. If my wife has a problem, she kens to come to me with it.”
Alasdair climbed to his feet and continued to grin. “While yer making all yer plans, ye might check on Katie.”
When did his playful younger brother grow so tall and become such a man? Evan didn’t ken when Alasdair had gone from being a troublesome lad to someone Evan relied heavily on. Suddenly, he felt verra old.
Alasdair grew serious and placed his hand on Evan’s shoulder. “It might do you well to go see the lass. Women need a bit more care than yer horse, ye ken.” With those words and a wink, he left the library.
Evan frowned. Katie was growling at people and stomping about?
She had been fine when he left her earlier that morning.
He shrugged. Either Alasdair was taunting him or whatever was the problem, he would most likely only make it worse if he sought her out.
Instead, he would begin packing for the trip home.
Evan didn’t see Katie until supper that evening. As he entered the Great Hall, she was speaking with Meggie, waving her arms about, seeming to give the maid instructions. He approached the table where they sat and joined them. “Good evening, lasses.”
Katie turned toward him and gave him a bright smile. “Good evening, husband.”
Evan huffed. So much for Alasdair’s concern earlier. There was nothing wrong with Katie, and she even looked verra happy to see him. “Did ye get the things done I told ye to do?”
Katie’s bright smile disappeared, replaced by a scowl. “I did what I needed to do to prepare for our departure.”
Satisfied that she’d done as she was told, he nodded and poured himself a glass of ale. “Today being Thursday, I’m planning on leaving Saturday. So be sure to get everything finished so there’s no delay.”
Before Katie could respond, Alasdair sat alongside him and began to speak.
The serving girls arrived in the Great Hall with platters of vegetables, roasted game, haggis, baked apples, and oatcakes.
Evan piled his plate, ravenous from the day’s work.
He rarely ate anything between breaking his fast and supper, so it was always a big meal for him.
The Stirlings and MacDuffs who ate in the Great Hall with the family had begun to mingle quite well together. Evan was satisfied that all would be well when they departed. Ian MacDuff would take care of things, Evan would receive his monthly reports, and he could concentrate on his own clan.
“Ye better make some inquiries to find another healer. Poor old Mrs. MacCabe was counting on ye to help her out.” Evan poured another glass of ale from the pitcher and studied Katie.
She stared for a few moments, her eyes snapping. “I have taken care of that already, my laird.” She turned to Meggie, giving him her back.
Her tone and expression gave him pause. Had Alasdair been correct and there was something troubling her?
He smiled, thinking that since this appetite had eased, ’twas time to turn his attention to another appetite.
Whatever the problem troubling his wife, a hardy tup would calm her.
He tapped Katie on the shoulder. “Once yer finished here, lass, I would have ye meet me up in my bedchamber.”
She gave him a curt nod and returned to her conversation with Meggie. Gavin wandered over and squeezed between Evan and Katie. “Can we go riding after supper?”
Evan ruffled the lad’s hair. “Nay. Yer sister and I have business we need to take care of upstairs. But I will take ye for another ride in the morn.” Seeing his annoyed little face, Evan added, “A mon dinnae fuss if he cannot have his way. Ye would be better served with making sure whatever you want to take to Argyll is packed and ready to go.”
“Aye,” the lad said, dragging the word out.
About twenty minutes passed before Katie joined Evan in his bedchamber. She arrived looking flustered and annoyed.
“What’s the problem, lass?”
“The paper I brought with me. I can’t find it.”
“Paper?” He walked toward her and drew her into the circle of his arms. “Let’s forget about papers and packing and enjoy a bit of time in the bed.” He nuzzled her neck, kissing the soft skin under her ear. “Whatever is missing ye can find tomorrow.”
She drew back. “Nay. I’ve already looked everywhere and can’t find the paper I brought with me from Stirling.”
Evan’s heart thumped, a sense of disaster on the horizon filling him. “What paper is that, lass?”
“The one that proves my family owns this land.”
He stepped back and scrubbed his face. “Ye dinnae need to keep looking for it.”
“Why not?”
“Because I burned it.”