Page 28 of A Highland Bride Disciplined

Scarlett laughed then, too loudly. Elise squirmed in her arms and let out a tiny grunt of protest.

Effie cringed. “Sorry. But really, ye must admit, he looks like a wolf that’s been told to mind a lamb.”

Scarlett hushed the baby, her smile still lingering. “He’s a gruff one, aye. But Tam’s never laid a finger on anyone that dinnae deserve it. He’s got a soft spot, whether he likes it or nay.”

Effie grumbled. “Soft spot’s buried under chainmail and bad attitude.”

They both looked toward the door again.

Tam, to his credit, was trying to appear preoccupied by the tapestry on the wall, as if a half-faded depiction of Saint Columba meant more to him than the baby or the two women watching him with growing curiosity.

“Ye could ask him to hold her again,” Effie muttered, mischief curling around the words.

“I already did. He damn near sprinted from the room in spirit if nae in body.”

Effie squinted. “Maybe hewantsto but willnae let himself.”

“Ye reckon he’s afraid of a wee bairn?” Scarlett murmured. “Tam Gallagher, veteran of tens of battles and that infamous pub brawl with six men twice his size?”

Effie grinned. “Some fears are worse than blades.”

Scarlett considered it. Therewassomething in the way Tam kept glancing toward Elise. It was a type of longing mixed with terror, like a man staring down a fate he didn’t believe he deserved.

Before she could say more, the hallway clattered again.

“Saints preserve us,” Effie whispered, already grinning.

Sure enough, Mrs. Morag pushed through the door with her keys singing like a war cry and a wooden spoon gripped like a dagger.

“I’ve counted linens, stirred broth, scalded three pans, and ye’ve yet to move a single inch, Tam Gallagher,” she barked without preamble. “Ye’re nay statue. Ye’ve got limbs. Use ’em.”

Tam straightened like he’d been caught sneaking out of confession. “The laird requested I deliver a message.”

“Ye did that. I saw ye more than five minutes ago walking up here to the nursery. Now ye’re loiterin’. Ain’t got nothin’ better to do than hover over a babe like ye expect her to sprout wings?”

Effie tried and failed to stifle her laughter.

Tam looked briefly at Scarlett for help, but she only shrugged.

“Perhaps ye’re here for the embroidery lessons?” Morag continued, eyes gleaming. “Or is it naptime in the nursery what tempts ye?”

“I’ll take me leave. Have to deliver a message for Lady Scarlett anyway,” Tam said quickly, already backing out the door.

Morag pointed the spoon after him. “And keep it movin’, ‘fore I assign ye to nappie duty!”

He vanished.

Effie was in a full giggle fit now, collapsed against the rug and wheezing like she’d swallowed smoke. “Sheterrifieshim.”

“She terrifies everyone,” Scarlett said, adjusting Elise in her arms. “Even the cook flinches when she critiques the porridge.”

“Brave woman,” Effie said in awe.

“She’s earned it,” Scarlett replied. “I’m half certain Morag’s rebuilt this keep with her own bare hands and strict attitude.”

Morag sniffed like she’d heard the praise but refused to accept it. “I came to fetch the bairn. Time for feedin’. The nursemaid’s waitin’ upstairs.”

Scarlett hesitated, just a little.