Legacy of the Mist Clans Box Set by Kathryn Loch Read Free Book Online Page B

lady waiting for him to return?
    That thought knotted her stomach and she forced it away.
    Branan was no longer the boy she had known, but a man who was almost a stranger to her. Although Catriona kept trying to ignore it, she had always thought him drawn to her...unless she’d ruined that with her childish games. Of course, it didn’t matter anymore. He left and she was now promised to another. Still, what would it hurt renewing her friendship with him? It could go no further than that, but at least she could get to know him again. She could discover the man he had become.
    Richard would probably try to keep her locked away in this fool solar. But the wedding wasn’t for another four months. Perhaps she could use Branan’s status as her foster-brother to her advantage
. I haven’t seen him in ten years,
she could tell Richard.
Do you mean to prohibit me from the only family I have left?
Aye, that was a good argument.
    Sudden tears burned her eyes. It was a good argument since it was absolutely true.
    HHH
    Branan and the others rose at dawn, breaking their fast in the great hall with de Courcy. He was disappointed not to see Catriona.
    “MacTavish,” de Courcy said pleasantly. “When we have quit our meal, I would like to show you around. I think you will be impressed with some of my endeavors. Then, if you do not mind a short ride, I will show you a new enterprise I just started.”
    Branan nodded. “This sounds interesting.”
    “Am I forbidden to enter the great hall?” a distinct female voice shouted from above-stairs.
    Those at the table fell into a shocked silence. De Courcy scowled at the stairs.
    “Nay, m’lady,” the plaintive voice of a chambermaid replied. “But ye have been through a dreadful time. Ye will be much more comfortable breaking yer fast in the solar.”
    “I will break my fast with my betrothed and my brothers.” An instant later, Catriona swept down the stairs, with only a hint of a limp from her battered ankle. She looked regal in her soft blue dress...regal and infuriated.
    Branan couldn’t help the grin that escaped him.
    Her gaze locked on his for a brief instant. Her anger faded and her lips twitched as if to smile, but she lifted her chin and squared her shoulders, moving purposefully for the empty chair next to de Courcy.
    “M’lady,” the maid said, hurrying after her. “Please—”
    “Leave me be,” Catriona snapped.
    The men rose from their chairs as Catriona approached. The maid shot a pleading and somewhat fearful glance at de Courcy.
    De Courcy’s expression darkened slightly, but he bowed to Catriona. “My lady, I appreciate that you wish to eat with us, but are you certain—”
    Catriona rolled her eyes. “Richard, please, I am fine.” She quickly sat. “I am sure you can understand that I wish to visit with my foster-brother and Gavin, who was in France for months. He only stopped at home for a span of days before he left again.”
    De Courcy apparently decided discretion was the better part of valor and clamped his jaw shut, dismissing the maid with a wave and returning to his chair.
    Branan inclined his head to Catriona. “Ye are looking bonny this morn. I am glad to see ye so well recovered.”
    “Thank you, Branan.”
    Branan returned to his meal, but noticed Catriona rarely took her eyes off him. He abruptly realized part of the reason must have been his garb. She had never seen him wearing Scottish clothing. He grinned to himself.
    De Courcy remained silent, glowering at his food. Catriona took the opportunity to lead the conversation, asking Branan about his life in Scotland. She seemed very pleased at learning how much he enjoyed woodworking and training horses. It did not matter to her how much money he made in the ventures, only that he found happiness in his work.
    “Well now,” de Courcy said, finally bringing their conversation to a close. “We must be off, and I’m sure my betrothed needs to rest after expending so much energy.” He