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

much against Strickland until spring. But I plan on putting the time until that day to good use.”
    “Well said, MacTavish. With you taking over the endeavor, I will be able to turn my attention to planning my wedding. I have a feeling four months will prove shorter than we think.”
    Branan fought down the chill clenching his gut and managed a nod.
    HHH
    The next morning, de Courcy and his steward, Edmund, left Branan in the great hall with a mass of journals and ledger tallies piled around him. They had discussed the basics, but other duties called de Courcy and Edmund away, leaving Branan to fend for himself.
    Duguald and Gavin had also abandoned him in favor of working in the lists for a short time. Branan discovered he would much rather be with them. The sheer volume of organizing something like this was overwhelming.
    “Is it safe now?” a soft voice asked from behind him.
    Branan turned, blinking at Catriona in surprise. “Safe?”
    She nodded and stepped next to him. “I don’t feel like arguing with Richard about being cooped up in the solar.”
    He chuckled and gestured to a chair. “De Courcy is tending some business at the moment. I would verra much enjoy yer company.”
    She smiled brightly as she sat then stared at the journals. “Oh dear, they left you with everything.”
    “Aye,” Branan said, rubbing his eyes. “This is becoming most difficult.”
    “How so?”
    “I’ve organized and managed many things as laird of my clan, but I’ve never been involved in building a keep. The weapons and materials are reasonably constant and easy to predict. The other things can be more difficult.”
    “I understand,” she said and looked over his shoulder at one of the ledger tallies. “Now that will never do.”
    “What’s that?”
    “Your foodstuffs.”
    “We have enough for forty men, right now there are only thirty.”
    Catriona arched an eyebrow. “But look here, Branan, a few lines down, there are bales of raw wool to be sent to Thistlewood. Who will card and spin it, then weave it?”
    Branan blinked. “Aye, that will require the knowledge of women.”
    “There are many things here that will require women. Even though the tower is not complete, you must think of it as a community already. You know the men will probably want to bring their womenfolk, so you will have hands to do the work, but you need to make sure you have enough supplies for them. It doesn’t stop with just food items used in the kitchens; you will have to monitor medicines and other basic needs.”
    A chuckle rumbled through him as he realized her point. “In other words, I will need a chatelaine.”
    “Exactly.”
    He took her hand in his, marveling at the soft warmth of her skin, and lightly kissed it. “Then my bonny lass, mayhap I can impose upon ye. Unless ye spent too much of yer youth hunting in the forests to have gained knowledge from yer mother’s guidance.”
    “Aye,” she said with a laugh. “I nearly drove my mother to distraction, but I did learn all she had to teach me. As you know, she was a very good chatelaine.”
    “So ye will help me?”
    “I’d love to Branan.”
    He squeezed her hand gratefully, enjoying the blush that highlighted her cheeks. Their heads close together and their shoulders touching, they poured over all the details in the journals.
    Branan wasn’t sure exactly how much time had passed, but he knew he was tired. He and Catriona had developed a list of all the things they needed right away, items they would need shortly, and projections for a pair of months.
    Through it all, Catriona had been immeasurably helpful. Branan had always known she had a sharp intelligence as a child, but now he saw just how strong it had grown. Thanks to her, he was confident in all aspects of planning the rebuilding of Thistlewood.
    “Well,” she said, tilting her head to stretch the muscles in the back of her neck. “I think that’s about everything.”
    “Aye,” he replied, looking at the