Page 86 of The Highlander's Alluring Spy
“Because ye cannae take me. I’m stayin’ here wi’ me Dadaidh. I guess that means ye have to stay an’ all.”
William let out a low whistle, and Betty cleared her throat.
“Elaine…” Magnolia started.
“Actually, Lord Winterbourne, I was hopin’ that, with yer permission, Magnolia could stay for a wee bit. I’m likely nae gonnae be movin’ for a while, an’ me bairn is gonnae need someone to look after her,” Nathair said, skillfully posing the question to both Magnolia and the Earl at the same time.
“Is that so?” Magnolia’s father asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh, can she, Lord Grandda, please?” Elaine asked eagerly.
“Lord Grandda?” Magnolia asked, her lip twitching.
Her father snorted and winked. “Young Maid Elaine tells me that my title is too difficult otherwise, and since I am old enough to be a Grandfather, that is the nickname she came up with.”
“That isnae very polite, Elaine,” Nathair told her.
Lord Winterbourne shook his head. “Don’t worry yourself, My Laird. I rather like it. And yes, Elaine, Magnolia may stay a while to help your Father. Call it a courtesy for all the trouble Peter Kole has caused.”
William grimaced. “Are ye sure I cannae just finish him off meself?” he asked half-heartedly.
The Earl laughed at that. “I admit, it is tempting to hand him over to you. But no, sir. I must take him to face the Queen’s justice.”
William looked disappointed but nodded. “Aye, fair enough. Come, then, let me help ye wi’ the bindin’. I’ll get some satisfaction wi’ that, at least.”
“I’ll come, too,” Betty said quickly.
The three of them filed out of the room again, but before the door shut, Magnolia called out, “Father?”
“Hm?” Lord Winterbourne asked, turning his head back.
“Is my cousin Mary really with child?” Magnolia asked. She’d never been clear at this point, and now, with the matter of heirship at the forefront of her mind, it was more important than ever.
“Oh,” the Earl said, glancing first at Nathair and then at Magnolia. “I’m afraid not, dear. Sadly, she was mistaken.”
And with that, he left and closed the door behind him.
The room was quiet.
Then Elaine launched herself forward and into Magnolia’s arms. “Dinnae ye ever leave again, ye hear me?” she demanded. Magnolia held her tight as the little girl sobbed into her chest. “Ye cannae ever go. Promise me!”
Magnolia hesitated, meeting eyes with Nathair over Elaine’s head. She wished it was so simple, she really did. But she and Nathair would have to talk–a lot–and there was still home to consider. More than ever now, with her remaining her father’s only heir.
I don’t want to make you a promise I cannot keep, Elaine.
She didn’t want to break the child’s heart. Not again.
“I promise I won’t do anything without talking to you first,” she said finally. “How’s that?”
Elaine pulled back and looked at her suspiciously. “Well…” she said. “I guess that’ll dae. For the moment.”
“For the moment,” Magnolia agreed, hugging her tight. Her eyes met Nathair’s once more, and she gave him a small, tentative smile.
“Aye,” Nathair repeated softly. “For the moment.”
At least, for now, we’re together. Come what may, we’ll always have this moment.
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