Read Online Torrian (The Highland Clan Book 2) by Keira Montclair - Free Book Online

days at the Ramsay keep to make sure Nellie was well, but it was time to move on. They could not still be there when Torrian returned from the Buchans. It had been a big mistake to kiss that man—not because it did not feel right, but because it did…and she wanted much, much more of it.
    She knew they could never marry. Torrian was to be laird someday, so he must wed someone of equal station, a lass of noble blood. The Buchan lass would probably suit him perfectly. Mayhap the stories she’d heard about her were false. Heather knew that the only way to forget him and heal would be to leave the castle and return to her solitary life. She was not in any position to make any claims on the heir to a chieftain.
    Clearly noticing her change in temperament, Gwyneth said, “You seem disappointed to be leaving the castle. You are welcome to stay, but I’m sure you know that.”
    “Aye.” Heather’s stared up at the gray sky, trying not to think of what could have been. “You all have been wonderful. Torrian and Lady Brenna both asked us to stay, but ‘tis best for us to return to our home. We love the outdoors and summer is upon us. I prefer the time when the bluebells and heather decorate the fields with color. ‘Tis my favorite time of year.”
    Nellie peered up at her mother with her big eyes. “But Mama, may I not keep my new friends? I like having friends.”
    Gwyneth slowed her horse so she could draw closer to Heather and Nellie. “Of course, Jennet and Brigid will always be your friends. You may come visit whenever you would like, and the lassies and I often travel through the woods to practice hunting and archery.”
    “Then mayhap you would come visit us sometime. We would love to see you,” Heather added, hoping to placate her daughter. She understood how much her newfound friends meant to her. Their present circumstances were definitely lonely at times. Heather had to admit that she’d enjoyed the company of the Ramsays and was grateful to find other kind people.
    “May we, Mama? Please?” Brigid pleaded.
    “Aye, we’d like to visit again, Aunt Gwyneth.” Wee Jennet sat tall in her horse in front of her elder sister.
    “Of course, you may,” Gwyneth said. “We’ll visit again.”
    They increased their speed since they were at the beginning of a meadow. The girls giggled as they galloped across the flat field, the guards rounding out the periphery of the group.
    They slowed their horses as they neared the patch of forest around the cave. There was only room for one horse at a time down the path, so the guards once again split between the front and the rear.
    “Are we close to your home?” Gwyneth asked.
    “Aye,” Heather answered. “We can dismount in that small clearing up ahead.” She pointed out the area decorated with purple flowers.
    Once they arrived, they helped all the lassies dismount. Gwyneth gave the guards instructions on where she wanted them to wait, and Heather told them, “There’s a stream just to the north if you’d like fresh water.”
    One of the guards said, “My lady, we’ll take jugs and fill them for you, if you’d like.”
    Heather smiled at the lad, then led the way to the cave. Some containers sat just inside the stone lip while others were positioned to catch rainwater. “That would be much appreciated.” She stood just outside the cave as the girls ran ahead, already chattering up a storm.
    Gwyneth held back, waiting until the wee ones were out of earshot. “Why, ‘tis quite beautiful with all the shades of purple in the area. But I must be serious for a moment. Heather, I sense there could have been something between you and Torrian. Brenna thought the same.” She paused to see if she would respond.
    Heather did not know quite how to answer, but she felt heat rise to her cheeks. “I…I…do not know for sure…”
    Gwyneth reached over to pat her hand. “My apologies. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable, and mayhap ‘tis none of my concern, but