Page 26 of A Highland Bride Disciplined
Scarlett hesitated. “Maybe. Or maybeIjust want her to belong here.”
Effie didn’t push, just nodded and poked at the fire again.
The door creaked open.
Mrs. Morag’s formidable shape appeared, keys swinging like warning bells. “The bairn is still sleepin’, then?”
Scarlett looked up. “Aye. Ye’ve just missed the puppet show and juggling act.”
Morag sniffed. “Right. Well. Are ye needin’ anythin’?”
“We’re fine, Morag.”
“Tea? Blanket? Bit o’ lemon water?”
“We’re fine.”
Effie smiled sweetly. “We’ll holler if she explodes.”
Morag didn’t leave. She just folded her arms and stared at Elise like she could memorize the curve of her nose through sheer willpower.
Scarlett narrowed her eyes. “Ye can hold her, if that’s what ye’re here for.”
“I most certainly will nae,” Morag snapped, cheeks flushing. “I’ve worked kitchens since before ye were weaned, Lady Scarlett. I’ve changed enough nappies to build a wall across the glen. I was only checkin’ that the fire was safe.”
Morag left furiously muttering about linens and stew.
Effie leaned in and whispered, “That’s her third visit today.”
Scarlett whispered back, “That woman is worse than me maither.”
They sat in silence, watching the sleeping child, until the second knock came.
Tam Gallagher’s bulk appeared in the doorway, ducking beneath the frame like the stonework might collapse at the sight of him.
“Beggin’ yer pardon, m’lady” he said gruffly. “The laird asked me to inform ye that he willnae be joinin’ ye for supper. Or breakfast tomorrow. Possibly nae lunch either.”
Scarlett blinked. “Did he send that message with flowers or just a growl?”
Tam scratched the back of his neck. “Closer to a growl, if I’m bein’ honest.”
“Charming,” Scarlett muttered, standing carefully with Elise still tucked against her. “Tell him I’m touched by his absence.”
“Should I…reallysay that?”
“Oh aye. Word-perfect.”
Tam didn’t move.
Effie squinted at him, but shifted away to busy herself with the fire.
“Anything else, Tam?”
He glanced awkwardly at the baby.
Scarlett followed his gaze, raising a brow. “Would ye like to hold her?”
His visible eye widened. “I couldnae possibly.”
