Page 53 of Kilty By Association
“She’s a bit much sometimes.”
“Aye,” Craig chuckled. “But I love her. And I love ye as well.”
‘Twas difficult to drag her gaze to Robbie, but vital, Elspeth knew. If Craig’s declaration had flooredher, how must her son feel?
Robbie’s expression was serious. “Mother’s the only one who’s ever said that to me.”
He remembered that? She winced, hating that his father had seen no need to speak of feelings, not even with his heir.
Craig, however, was nodding sadly. “Then I’m sorry, because ye are verra much worth loving. Ye’re growing into a fine young man.”
Robbie swallowed. “Thanks to—to ye and Mother.”
“I wish I could take credit.” Craig offered his hand, accepting Robbie’s small palm. “Never forget that yer family is special.Wonderful. I’d give aught to be a part of it.”
“What?” bleated Elspeth, and aye, ‘twas indeed a bleat.
Craig turned a sad smile her way. “Love, if ye werenae an Earl’s mother, and I wasnae a mere blacksmith, I’d offer ye marriage in a heartbeat. Och, well, I suppose I’d ask this laddie for permission first,” he said as he finished the handshake.
“Ye’d have it,” Robbie intoned solemnly.
Elspeth, still uncertain exactly what was going on, with her brain stuck onmarriageandI love ye, drew herself up. “Ye are aKing’s Hunter, Craig. There’s naughtmereabout ye! Ye are strong and kind and compassionate, and I—anywoman would be lucky to have ye as a husband!”
His expression was unreadable—nay, that wasn’t the truth. There was just too much to be read in his expression. Sorrow warred with hope warred with disappointment.
“Ye’re a lady, Elspeth. Too far above me. I’m bound to the King—”
“Who endorses this marriage.”
It took a moment for the new voice to register, and ‘twas only because Craig’s eyes widened that Elspeth realized the words hadn’t come from either of them.
They both swung around to stare at a very smug-looking Brigit. She rolled her eyes, huffed, and planted her hands on her hips.
“Well, why do you think Their Majesties chose Craig for this mission? The Queen was worried about the safety of Elspeth and her bairns up here in the wilds.”
Elspeth gaped. “But…a bodyguard…”
“Aye, they trusted Craig to find and eliminate the threat. But all it would take was one unscrupulous man who could force ye into marriage, Elspeth, and suddenly the Earl of Dungotit would be under the control of an evil man. Her Majesty knew ye needed to marry agoodman to help raise the Earl correctly, and to protect ye all.”
Craig’s mouth dropped open. “I…what?”
Brigit shrugged. “The Queen kens ye’re a good man, Craig Oliphant. She chose ye for Elspeth.”
“I’m…the King is…”
The little maid—wasshe a maid?—shrugged cheekily. “The King mostly listens to his wife’s suggestions.”
Elspeth’s mouth still gaped. “Ye’re saying the Queen chose me a husband?”
“A husbandanda protector!” Brigit corrected, one finger jabbing toward Craig. “And she wasnae wrong, was she? Ye’ve fallen in love with yer Hunter, aye?”
But Elspeth couldn’t seem to get past the original point. Her maid was in the Queen’s confidences?
Well, Her Majesty was the one to assign ye Brigit when ye arrived in Scone, if ye recall.
Aye, but…as amaid. Someone to fetch and carry things, someone to help lace Elspeth into gowns.
She’s shite at styling hair though, ye must admit.
