The Gift: The Pocket Watch Chronicles by Ceci Giltenan

Author:Ceci Giltenan [Giltenan, Ceci]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Duncurra LLC
Published: 2018-05-28T16:00:00+00:00

~ * ~

Tavish had felt a keen sense of disappointment that morning when Claire had refused to go with him. He was certain that something was bothering her. Worse, he feared that if she felt called to hours of prayer, she was on the verge of a decision that he didn’t want to hear.

He thought back to the day she called him an arse. He smiled and corrected himself. As she’d pointed out that day, she didn’t call him an arse, she said he was behaving like an arse, to which he’d agreed. They had been honest with each other. Neither of them wished to be married. She’d been the one to propose that they would both benefit if they continued with the pretense of getting to know one another in advance of a betrothal. She’d experience life outside the abbey and perhaps he’d get used to the idea of allowing a woman into his life.

Then a little over a week ago he had put everything on the table. He’d told her he loved someone else. For such a young woman who’d led so sheltered a life, she’d given him sound advice. Ultimately, it was that advice that allowed him to finally let go of his past and open his heart to her.

The problem was, he’d forgotten that she didn’t want to marry him—that they had an agreement. And much to his dismay, it appeared she had abided by their agreement and didn’t return his feelings.

Still, maybe he only needed to tell her. Perhaps if he let her know he realized he’d held onto his past for too long, she might think about sharing her life with him. He’d intended to do that today, but was thwarted. However, he was confident there would be other chances. He’d make every effort to speak to her as soon as possible. In fact, he’d ask her to go for a walk with him tonight after supper.

Unfortunately, when he arrived home that evening, it seemed fate was playing a cruel trick. Laird Morrison had arrived. Claire hadn’t seen her brother in over ten years. Tavish couldn’t pull her away from his company tonight.

As Tavish entered the great hall, the evening meal was nearly ready to be served. Coll stood near the hearth with Da, tankards of ale in their hands.

“Tavish,” called his father. “I was beginning to wonder if ye’d miss the evening meal. How does the harvest seem to be coming?”

“Quite well. Yesterday’s rain had very little effect. Today was warm and dry enough that the grain harvest could resume by midmorning. If the weather holds, it should be completed in a few days. The vegetable harvest appears to be abundant this year too. It isn’t finished, but our stores of onions, carrots, parsnips, and turnips will be plentiful.”

His father beamed. “Excellent. Now, son, I believe ye know Coll—Laird Morrison?”

“Aye, Da.” Tavish offered Coll his hand. “I’m sorry for yer recent losses, Laird Morrison.”

Coll returned the handshake. “Please, just call me Coll. And thank ye.

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