Page 30 of The Anguish of the Scottish Lairds
Lia said, “Sit down with him. He’s getting heavy.”
“Then what do I do?” She honestly had no idea, having no experience with a child this small.
“Just talk to him. He loves to talk with people.”
“He can talk?”
“Not real words, but he thinks he is talking. You’ll see. He’s quite an amiable bairn.”
Eva did as Lia suggested and tucked the boy against her bosom. He locked gazes on her and began to utter the most nonsensical sounds, as if trying to talk with her. “Are you telling me about the day you’ve had? Are you enjoying your grandparents?”
Lia said, “I’m glad you are enjoying the bairn. You are quite good with him. Are you not hoping for bairns of your own someday?”
Eva stared at the lass, the one who spoke as if she were an elder yet appeared in a body too small to lift a bairn. “I haven’tthought on it much.” She gave her attention back to the beautiful boy on her lap.
“You should. And Eva, do not believe anything the earl said to you. He was not meant for you.”
Eva whipped her head to face Lia. “How would you know about the earl?”
Lia smiled and tipped her head, folding her hands in front of her. “I know nearly everything I need to know.”
“But why do you need to know about me?”
Lia pursed her lips and her finger tapped on them, her foot tapping in the same rhythm. “Because. I must help you …”
“Help me what?” She slid to the edge of her seat, afraid she wouldn’t hear the soft-spoken lass because of the lad’s noises.
“Your husband is near. Do you not have someone in mind?”
“Nay.” A sudden anger infused her insides, furious that even this lass spoke of marriage. “Why must everyone insist that I marry? Why can’t I live alone my entire life? There’s naught wrong with it.”
“Unless you were meant to be with someone. Then you would complicate their life’s purpose if you refuse your own.”
Did Lia know what her sire had wished for her? “Do you know who my sire chose for me? If you do, I beg you to tell me this instant.”
Lia shook her head and took two steps back.
“Please tell me. I need to know who my father chose for me.”
“I cannot help you with that. But your soulmate lives nearby. Do not overlook him.”
“Tell me who.”
Lia shook her head to deny her, but Eva would find out. Unfortunately, it would have to wait because the door opened and Maeve came inside.
Maeve startled Eva, but she kept a tight hold on the boy until his mother approached. “I’m sorry, but who are you? We’ve not met before. You aren’t dressed like a serving lass.”
“Eva. My name is Eva MacVey.” She stood and handed the babe to his mother. “He was crying, so I wished to calm him down. I hope that was all right with you.”
“You did a fine job. Grant, you like Eva? Where are you from, Eva?”
“Clan MacVey, on the other side of Craignure.”
“Well, you are doing a wonderful job with him. Do you have younger siblings? You are a natural.”
“Nay, he’s the first bairn I’ve held.” Saying the words made her realize how much she may have missed in her life. Why hadn’t she held a bairn before? There had never been one in the castle that she recalled. Surely there were many among the guards and their families, but they hadn’t been around her.
Perhaps she was spoiled in ways she didn’t even know.
