Page 36 of Kilty By Association
Craig offered himtrust.Companionship.
Fun.
Elspeth’s eyes closed to hold in her tears. When Craig left, she was beginning to suspect he’d break her heart. But her children would also be devastated.
“I changed my mind, Mama, Iamhungry.”
As always, there was little time to be maudlin when Elspeth had to care for her children. She forced a smile for Katharine. “Fen fries her chicken, did ye ken? Try this. And a berry tart.”
The five-year-old was easy enough to satisfy, so she turned her attention to keeping the bairn out of the sticky food. She was occupied by tearing off pieces of bread to pass to Mary when the two males flopped down on the blanket, breathing hard from laughter.
This time her smile was genuine as she doled out the food.
The meal was messy and informal andfun, and Elspeth realized it had been ages since she’d felt this way. Mayhap it had been since she’d been a lassie herself, barefoot and carefree. For certes, she couldn’t recall a time in her adult life—especially not with her children—when they’d been without responsibility long enough to relax and enjoy themselves so thoroughly.
After the meal was eaten and Katharine and Robbie had run off to play with—or rather, harass—the sheep, Elspeth said as much to Craig.
“Thank ye for this. This has been…”
“Fun,” he supplied, passing a berry to Mary, whose face was already stained with the juices. “Ye have a beautiful family, Elspeth.”
“Thank ye,” she whispered automatically, but his praise really did warm her. “They care for ye.”
“Aye, and I care for them.” His answer was immediate, and she was impressed. “’Tis maddening to think someone might wish them—wishye—ill.”
He’d been thinking about the attempts on Robbie’s life? Well,thatsoured her mood. Still, she was grateful Craig took his responsibility so seriously.
And a good reminder why he’s here.
She busied herself by cleaning the bairn’s face, then helping her stand.
“I’m sorry, Elspeth,” Craig began softly. “I dinnae mean to ruin the day. ‘Tis just…Robbie only just told me how yer husband died.”
Elspeth shot him a quick look of confusion and he shrugged.
“It might’ve been an accident, aye, but the fact the first attempt on the lad was made that verra day?”
“I always assumed…” She swallowed, her fingers tightening around Mary’s as the bairn bounced happily, practicing her steps while holding on. “Whoever ‘twas just took advantage of the timing.”
“Aye, ‘tis possible.” Craig watched them a few minutes, then spoke gently once more. “Whoever ‘twas. Ye dinnae have any guesses who might wish Robbie ill.”
“Who might wish himdead?” Blessed Virgin, ‘twas difficult to speak of such things! Her throat threatened to close off as she kept her focus on her youngest. “I suppose ye ken there is an obvious suspect.”
Craig blew out a breath. “I’m told yer husband had a younger brother, with his own son.”
Elspeth nodded as she shifted Mary about so the bairn faced Craig, and moved her hold from her wee hands to her soft waist, holding her upright. “Roger is his name. My brother-in-law. He is married to Agnes, and their son Simon is almost twenty now, fostering with a laird in the Lowlands. But Roger…”
When she shook her head, her attention on Mary’s curls, Craig prompted, “What is it, love?”
Elspeth thought of her brother-in-law, a man she towered over who hunched near his books and always had a ready smile for someone who’d listen to him talk about his history.
“Roger does no’seemthe kind who could do such terrible things. When ye meet him, ye’ll understand. Hecouldbe play-acting all these years—”
“Some people aregoodat seeming, Elspeth.”
The sound of her name on his lips always sent a happy little shiver through her, but now she just smiled sadly as she sat back, allowing her daughter to balance on her own.
“Who is in charge of Dungotit?” he asked quietly.
