Chapter Nine
“I am displeased,” Moyra announced following Camden as he hoisted a shovel and made his way to help dig Agnes’s grave. As there was only the vicar, Gowan, and him, it would be several hours of work.
Camden wasn’t surprised at Moyra’s pronouncement. In truth he’d expected that she’d be upset. Although it wasn’t in his nature to purposely hurt a woman, he had to speak with Moyra and inform her he would never marry her. Unfortunately, this wasn’t that moment.
“Why did ye choose her to ride with ye?” Moyra asked with a pout, sliding an angry glare toward Anne, who was a short distance away speaking to the vicar and her brother.
“This is nae the place for this conversation,” Camden said. “We must start with the digging. It will take several hours.”
Moyra’s face hardened, nostrils flared, and lips pressed together, then she slid her gaze to the side in thought.
When she looked in his direction again, suddenly her expression softened, and she gave him an unsettling flirty look.
Speaking in a louder tone, she said, “Aye, I will expect to see ye later. We can go for a walk and spend time alone.”
Moyra lifted to her toes and kissed his jaw. “I best go; Mum is expecting me.” Not leaving space between them, her lips curved. “Come fetch me when ye are done here, love.”
That’s when he noted that Effie and Anne had closed the distance and had heard every word of Moyra’s statement.
Sweat trickled down Camden’s back as he and Gowan were helped to climb out of the grave. Another pair of men had arrived to help lower the simple wooden box down into the hole. To his astonishment, Brae had managed to walk there and now stood next to Anne, both watching from a nearby tree.
Effie neared and handed him a small cloth to wipe his face. Her gaze lingering on him, lips pressed together, a glint of annoyance in her eyes. “I dinnae like that Moyra woman. She is not a kind sort,” Effie pronounced. “Ye should find yerself someone better.”
Camden was about to reply when Gowan cut in. “Effie, hand me the cloth ye brought?”
She turned to Gowan, hands on her hips. “Why would I do that? Ye daft ogre.”
It was hard not to laugh when Gowan turned to look at him. Camden pressed his lips together, fighting to keep a straight face. Was something afoot between Effie and Gowan?
Gowan narrowed his eyes at Effie and went to speak to the vicar.
“Do ye and Gowan not get along?” Camden asked.
Effie scrunched her upturned nose. “We dinnae. Not at all. He treats me like a child.”
Thinking it best not to point out that she’d just acted like a wee lass, Camden instead nodded as if agreeing.
Agnes’s body was lowered into the ground. Clouds gathered as if joining in the somber moment. A cool breeze stirred, and the rustling of leaves added a somber song of sadness.
The meager group gathered around the new grave as the vicar said prayers.
Camden stood next to Anne, noting she’d stiffened visibly at his approach.
Indeed, she had overheard Moyra’s misleading statement.
That he’d not contradicted it made it even more believable.
Annoyed with himself, he turned to Anne. “I would like to speak with ye.”
It was then he noticed tears sliding down her cheeks, her attention on the grave. Her hands shook as she clasped them together and closed her eyes when the vicar recited the closing prayer.
The simple ceremony ended quickly. Although only a few in attendance, it was still probably more than Agnes would have expected.
When he turned to speak to Anne again, she had walked away.
Heading to the village center, Anne placed herself between Gowan and Effie.
Either she wished to ensure peace between the two, or she wanted to keep away from him.
It was clear Anne was grieving, and for now he’d give her time for it.
However, he would be sure to speak to her and clear up any misunderstandings.
Slowing his pace, Camden ensured Brae could keep up as they walked behind the trio in silent contemplation.
“Are ye returning home?” Brae asked, his young face held an eager expression.
It was obvious he was enjoying the new life of sharing a home with only one other person and having his own private bedchamber.
Not only that, but as an apprentice Camden was giving him a stipend, which meant he was becoming independent.
They went to a stand at the village square to get food and sat at a bench to eat. The roasted meat was tasty, as they discussed what had to be done at the apothecary and which people Brae could accompany Camden to visit.
As they talked, Camden realized he enjoyed the young man’s company. He’d never had an apprentice to fully share the responsibilities with. Beitris had been a huge help, but she’d had to split her time, helping at the bakery sometimes taking precedence.
“I must say,” Camden began sliding a look to Brae. “I am glad to have ye to help.”
The younger man’s face brightened. “I will do me best to learn as much as I can.”
“I ken ye will.”
Camden searched the area until noting Anne walking toward her brother’s home, Gowan beside her.
“Miss Anne is a good woman. Cared a great deal for the old woman Agnes,” Brae said, following his line of sight.
Camden nodded. “Aye, she is. I should see about her. I will visit in the morning to ensure she is well.” At the idea, Camden felt lighter.
He genuinely wished to see how she was and take advantage of the visit to explain what had been said in the conversation with Moyra.
At realizing how important her feelings were to him, Camden was startled.
In bed that night when she came to mind, it wasn’t the same as that morning when he’d been aroused. Yes, he still considered her breathtakingly beautiful, but thinking of her now was different, on a deeper level.
Something new stirred.