Catriona pinned him with a direct look. Upon his hazel eyes meeting hers, the urge to flee became hard to resist. And yet she planted her feet firmly and looked away for a moment so that she could speak freely.
“It was clear at the archery competition. Several of the Frasers commented on the fact that the late laird had been pierced by three arrows that had hit him simultaneously.” Once again, her eyes met his gaze but she quickly looked away. “Ye can shoot three arrows at once with extraordinary precision.”
When she lifted her gaze back to him, his eyes were closed tightly, as if he was trying to avoid pain. “I cannot answer yer question. Why won’t ye and yer people just be glad it was done?”
“The motive. What reason would ye have to do it?” Catriona persisted. “Tell me.”
The man had been cruel. He had killed hundreds of innocents without cause. There were hundreds of reasons anyone would wish him dead.
“Whoever killed the laird did the world a favor. The man was cruel to hundreds and deserved death. Should there be a clearer reason than the devastation and overtaking of small clans by killing, pillaging and destruction?”
She would not be deterred by what he said. There was truth in the words. However, like him, Catriona understood that there were always consequences, no matter how good an action was.
“Ye, however, were not a victim of any of those things. Which brings me to consider that perhaps there is another, more personal reason.”
His sharp inhale told her that she’d hit a sensitive spot. Sensing he would either admit to doing it or stop talking, Catriona decided it was best to ask one more question.
“Admitting what ye did will stay between us. I cannot explain the need to know, other than I detested the man with all my being and although his death does not erase...things...it helps me feel vindicated.”
When his eyes lifted to hers, they’d darkened. “There isn’t a better answer to why than that. The vindication ye and the other victims need.”
“So, then ye consider yerself a champion of the downtrodden?”
“I like the sound of it,” he replied flippantly. “However, I have not admitted to being who killed the late laird.”
When he closed his eyes this time, she left the room. It was best to give him time. The conversation was not over. She needed to find out why Ewan Ross had killed the late laird. The reason was important. Not only because she wanted to be appreciative to him, if he was indeed who killed the man, but also because she hoped it would help her move forward.
Upon entering her bedchamber, Lady Fraser entered right behind. Since they’d both been taken by Clan Mackenzie and kept as captives, Catriona and the laird’s wife had become especially close. Catriona had grown up spending more time at the keep with the laird’s daughter, Esme, than with her own family. Often, her parents come for meals, just to see her as she often refused to return home, fearful of missing her friends.
During their capture, Lady Fraser had been treated well, unlike her, who’d been sent to the dungeon. The laird had instructed the guards to do what they pleased with her. Catriona shuddered, willing the memories away.
“Darling,” Lady Fraser said. “Do ye feel up to traveling to the village with me tomorrow? Flora is set to return, and I thought it would be a good outing. We can fetch her and perhaps pick up a few things at the village square.”
Since her horrible abduction, Catriona had only ventured as far as the flower field outside the walls. Accompanied by other women, it had helped ease some of her anxiety. The thought of traveling to the village made her wary.
“What if someone stops us along the way? I am not sure that it would be a good idea to travel together. Someone could...”
“Nothing of the sort will happen, Catriona. It is time for ye to visit yer family. Time for ye to face things. Ye cannot expect to spend the rest of yer life cowering in here.” She motioned around the room.
In her heart, Catriona agreed wholeheartedly with Lady Fraser. Ever so slowly, she nodded. “I will try. Ye are right. It has been many days since I have seen my parents and my sister. I will go with ye.”
Lady Fraser clapped. “That is good news, dear one.”
***
Catriona was thankful for the security of the closed carriage as they traveled to the village.
Despite her initial trepidation of traveling, she was excited to see her family. It would be a treat to see them all at the same time. Although her sister and mother had often visited, her father rarely came to Fraser Keep. His work running the mill kept him and his workers busy for most of the year. When he wasn’t milling the grain, he dispensed and sold grain for the rest of the seasons.
“Once we deposit ye at yer family home, I will go to the market, see about Flora and then we can return to the keep. If ye wish to remain longer, ye can send word to the coachman,” Lady Fraser said with a pleased smile playing on her lips.
Considering she wished to spend time with her family and still afraid of any reactions that would bring them to worry, Catriona decided it was best to keep the visit short. “I will not be staying. Once ye are ready to return, please stop by for me. I am afraid to remain too long and...”
“No need to explain,” Lady Fraser said. “Tell yer mother I will come inside for a visit once I return for ye.”
Catriona peered out to see that they’d arrived at her house. The structure was the
