Page 55 of Kilty By Association
Within the sennight, the leader of the King’s Hunters should receive Craig’s account of what happened here at Dungotit, and the news of Lady Agnes’s death. He’d also receive notice of Craig’s retirement, and deep appreciation for everything he’d done for Craig.
Beaming, Craig remembered how Elspeth had written the letters for him, sitting at the laird’s desk, her back straight and that one tempting curl falling over her forehead. He was marrying a brilliant woman.
If she ever showed up.
The bride’s supposed to be late. And she’s no’ even late. Ye’re just early. Calm down. Try those breathing exercises Drum taught ye.
He wished Drum—or Barclay or Payton—had been able to attend. But his friends were busy with their new wives, and Drum was busy in Scone, likely scrambling to fill the spots in the Hunters’ ranks that had recently been emptied.
‘Twas traditional, when a Hunter married, that he retire. This suited Craig just fine; he was looking forward to settling into a life of helping to raise the Earl of Dungotit to be a good man. But Drummond Kennedy would likely be pissed off at him for a while, retiring without notice.
Craig was glad ‘twas Brigit giving Drum the notice, not him.
After Agnes’s death—and the announcement of Craig’s betrothal to Elspeth—the little maid had nodded happily and demanded he write out his report so she could deliver it. They’d all been surprised at her intention to ride to Scone immediately, but in retrospect, this little maid of Elspeth’s was turning out to be surprising indeed.
Once he’d considered it with a Hunter’s mind, Craig remembered the earlier signs; Brigit knew weaponry and battles, she rode as well as Elspeth, and seemed to be an expert at ferreting out information. Hadn’t she been the one to tell Elspeth about the want-to-be bandit named Craig who was drinking in the tavern that night?
Had Brigit known he was a King’s Hunter, even then? Had even that night been part of the plan to connect Craig and Elspeth and help them down the path toward love?
Shaking his head ruefully, Craig dragged his hand through his hair.
Dungotit was a long way from Scone, but he hoped one day he’d be able to learn who Brigit reallywas, and how she knew so much about such things.
Drummond was going to have his work cut out with that one, for certes.
The sound of laughter jerked his attention to the here-and-now, and he smiled when he saw the group of ladies escorting Elspeth and her children. She was beaming, and Craig’s heart—and stomach—immediately felt lighter.
Good. Yer wedding day isnae the time for spewing yer stomach all over yer boots. Or someone else’s.
The group crowded around him, everyone talking at once, but he had eyes only for his bride. She was lovely, far lovelier than he deserved. But ‘twas her smile which warmed him, which made him anxious for the wedding night.
“Hush, hush now,” she scolded, laughing. She took Mary from one of the ladies, then made shooing motions. “Go on now, find yer seats. We’ll be along.”
Laughing, the ladies followed her command, and then Elspeth was turning to him, beaming.
“Here,” she announced, thrusting Mary into his arms. “Ye’ll carry her, aye?”
“Andme!” declared Katharine.
Elspeth, who had tugged Robbie to her side, merelytsked. “We didnae spend an hour choosing yer gown and fixing yer hair, just so ye can be carried into the wedding.”
The whining began. “But mylegs hurt!”
When the adults exchanged a glance, Craig could tell Elspeth was reaching the end of her patience. This was what parenting was about, then, aye? This give-and-take, this shared responsibility…until he could get her alone.
So, still holding Mary, Craig sank down to his haunches infront of Katharine. “Sweet, will ye do me the honor of walking into the wedding at my side? There’s too many of us to walk together, and Robbie is escorting yer mother.”
Katharine rolled her eyes. “Fine. But only because I’m theonlyone who could possibly do it.”
“Aye,” he agreed solemnly. “And if ye cease arguing with yer mother, I’ll teach ye a new attack with yer wooden sword tomorrow.”
The little girl’s expression lit up. “Agreed!”
She spat on her hand and held it out as if to shake. At the noise of exasperation Elspeth made, Katharine shrugged, and went to wipe her hand on her new gown.
Managing not to laugh, Craig grasped her wrist and wiped her hand on his plaid, reasoning ‘twas easier to hide the dirt.
“Ready?” he asked, smiling.
