Page 38 of A Highland Bride Disciplined
Scarlett was curled on the chaise near the hearth, the baby tucked against her chest. Effie sat cross-legged on a rug nearby, cooing softly at the bairn. When Kian entered, both women looked up.
“Ye, out,” he said, pointing directly at Effie.
“Lady Crawford and I need to talk,” he said.
Scarlett arched a brow, her green eyes glinting with disapproval. “Effie, would ye give us a moment?”
Effie blinked but scrambled to her feet. “Aye, m’lady.” She gave them one last look, dipped lowly in front of him, then darted out, closing the door behind her.
Kian folded his arms. “Ye’ve avoided every meal since last night.”
Scarlett adjusted the baby in her arms. “I’ve been busy.”
“With a child that isnae yers.”
She looked up sharply. “Is that yer official stance now? That she’s nae mine?”
“She’s nae mine either,” Kian shot back.
Scarlett’s jaw tightened. “Aye. And yet here I am. Risin’ at dawn. Soothin’ her fits. Singin’ lullabies I barely remember. Missin’ meals because I’ve got burpin’ or shite stains on half me gowns and nay free hand to hold a fork.”
Kian opened his mouth to argue, but before he could speak, a sudden growl echoed through the room.
His brows lifted.
Scarlett blinked. Her arms reflexively wrapped tighter around the baby, as if she could somehow hide the treacherous sound of her own stomach.
Kian stared at her.
“Have ye eatenanythingtoday?” he asked slowly.
“I… might have had a biscuit.”
He narrowed his eyes. “When?”
“This mornin’. Or… late last night. Time’s funny when ye’ve got a bairn screaming in yer ear.”
“Ye’re starvin’.”
“I’m managin’,” she snapped. “And ye barge in accusin’ me of bein’ rude when I’m doin’ me best.”
He turned toward the door without another word.
“Effie!” he bellowed into the corridor.
The maid returned almost instantly, her eyes wide. “Aye?”
“Take the bairn, now,” he ordered. “Settle her. Watch her for the next hour.”
Effie looked to Scarlett, unsure.
Scarlett scowled at Kian, and no one moved until finally he broke the silence.
“Effie, take the bairn or I’ll give her to ye meself.”
He watched as the girl crossed the room, her arms outstretched. His wife lifted the bairn gently into the maid’s arms. “She’ll likely fuss. She’s nae to keen on others rockin’ her.”
Effie gave a firm, if nervous, nod, “We’ll manage, m’lady.” The maid retreated quickly, whispering sweet nonsense to the baby as she closed the door behind her.
