“An’ then what?”
She flicked her hair over her shoulder. “An’ then if I get them, maybe I’ll agree with ye. Until then, have a nice ride…sire.”
She bowed politely and sashayed inside. Caelan's lips were so wide for his smile that they hurt his cheeks. Before he wiped away his grin, the clansmen in the courtyard cast him curious glances.
Afoolwas what he was. When it came to her, he knew he shouldn't encourage his longing—it was futile. But he couldn't resist her allure.
Caelan jumped back on his horse and rode hard to the hills, hoping to forget about her.
CHAPTERFOUR
Eilidh ventured toward the kitchens, a spring in her step because of the promise of new books. Her happinesscertainlyhad nothing to do with the Laird’s brother.
Her smile broadened as she spotted a raven-haired lass, who was ripe with child. Her gait was that of a woman assured of love, born into elegance. She was dressed in a simple green gown with puffed sleeves. Her long, dark hair was parted in the middle, and it caressed her face with every swish of her hips. Even after all her years in the keep of Clan Graham, she still retained that pink, pale skin typical of English roses.
“Lady Graham,” Eilidh greeted with a small bow.
Dabria gave a dramatic groan. “Not with theLadyagain!” Eilidh offered her a mock-grimace, so Dabria seized her hand and pulled her into the room she had just vacated. “Come! I want to show you something.”
Here they were, in the chamber that she shared with Laird Evan Graham.
Dabria bounced on the bed and motioned for Eilidh to help her drag a box closer. “Cloths and garments for the baby have just arrived! Did you see the merchant that brought them? My aunt sent a few. Like this one!” She held up a tiny swatch of tartan fabric, her dark eyes glittering with pleasure.
Eilidh forgot her discomfort at being in the Laird’s chambers and grabbed the small would-be kilt. “Och, these would look bonnie on him... or her. Can ye imagine it on a lass?” She giggled.
“I know!” Dabria squealed, her eyes glimmering as she stroked her swollen belly. “I cannot wait to dress the babe up. Of course, Evan said I’m beingtoodramatic, but I’m more than certain I saw him wipe his eyes for tears as he looked them over.”
Carefully, Eilidh placed the tiny clothes back in the open trunk. She palmed a soft, brown blanket. “That cannae be true! Our Laird wouldnae cry over these.”
Dabria bobbed her head. “But he did! When I told him I wanted to show you, he practically bolted from the room and claimed he had things to attend in his study.”
Eilidh sighed. “I’m happy for ye, mila—Dabria,” she corrected. “Naeone deserves this peace more than ye. Ye’ve been through so much. Yer bairn has nae idea how lucky they are.”
Dabria stretched out her hands and Eilidh squeezed them. It felt like just yesterday when they were working together in the castle until the Laird fell head over heels in love with Dabria, of course. It was like a fairytale. It was almost unheard of that a laird would marry for love, and especially to a woman who would do nothing to strengthen his clan’s ties. Their story had been different, Eilidh reminded herself, before her imagination took hold of her. Dabria had more to offer the Laird than Eilidh could ever provide a man of such station.
She curled her lips, fighting away her sadness, and made to withdraw her hands from Dabria’s but was yanked to the bed.
“Speaking of happiness… I saw you earlier, talking to Caelan.”
Eilidh dipped her head, in the hopes that her hair would hide her blush. But as usual, Dabria was quick to notice, and her tinkling laugh rang out to prove it.
Eilidh murmured, “He was goin’ for a ride. I told him that I’d finished the book he lent me. That was all.”
“Ah, so perfectly innocent then…”
Eilidh gave her a distressed look. “Twas innocent! I would never,never—”
Dabria grinned. “I know, I know! He’s the high and mighty Laird’s brother and you’re a common maid. I’ve heard that from you so many times, I fear my ears will bleed if I hear it once more. Come now, Eilidh. Even the blind can see that he admires you too, silly girl.”
Eilidh’s hopeful heart leapt at her friend’s words. “He doesnae! He… pities my plight is all.”
Dabria gave a stubborn flick of her hair. “Tell me—how many times have you seen Caelan speak with any other maid…no, any other woman, at that?”
Eilidh worked her fingers into her gown and exhaled. “He must only feel responsible for me, Dabria. Naething more. He kens I have nae family. Besides, it is rumored that his maither will see him betrothed to an heiress soon.”
Eilidh wished Dabria would drop the topic. But when she met her friend’s gaze, her eyes were full of understanding and pity. She felt powerless.
“All right… did you hear about the mystery man lurking around the castle?” the Lady said, mercifully.