Heat flooded Piper's cheeks."I—that's nae?—"
"It's writtenall over yer face, dear." Amara's smile was gentle. "And I think it's wonderful. But ye're right—if ye're goin' to help him reconnect with his children, ye need to understand him better first."
"I daenae ken much about him,"Piper admitted quietly. "What he enjoys, what makes him happy. I ken he's a good laird, that he cares about his people. But beyond that..." She trailed off, feeling foolish.
"Then letme tell ye about me son," Amara said, her face brightening as she settled back in her chair with a thoughtful expression...
Piper leaned forward,unconsciously anxious to hear more. “The stars.”
“The stars?”
“Aye.When Elijah was a lad, he was obsessed with them. Used to drag me outside on clear nights and point out every constellation he could find.” Amara’s expression grew fond with memory. “He kent all their names, all their stories. Couldnavigate by them, predict the seasons by their positions. His faither hated it, said it was a waste of time for a future laird. But Elijah never stopped lovin’ them.”
“I dinnae ken that about him,”Piper said softly.
“He doesnae shareit much anymore. Probably because his faither beat into him that it wasnae ‘useful’ knowledge.” Amara’s voice held a trace of bitterness. “But I’d wager if ye gave him the opportunity, he’d still remember everythin’. And more importantly, he’d love sharin’ it with his children.”
“That’s perfect.”Excitement bubbled up in Piper’s chest. “If I arrange it—a night outside, with the children, where Elijah can teach them about the stars—do ye think it would work?”
“I think it’s brilliant,”Amara said warmly. “And I think ye’re brilliant for thinkin’ of it.”
“I just want to help them,”Piper said, feeling her cheeks heat. “They all deserve to be happy. To be a family.”
“Ye have a good heart, Piper Armstrong.”Amara reached out and squeezed her hand. “Me son is very lucky to have ye in his life.”
“In his life? Ye’re givin’me too much worth. I’m just the governess.”
“Ye’re much morethan that, and we both ken it.” Amara’s eyes sparkled with something that made Piper’s stomach flip. “Ye’re glowin’, dear.”
“I… what?”
“Ye’re glowin’.Like a lass in love would.” Amara’s smile widened. “It’s written all over yer face whenever ye talk about Elijah. Whenever ye look at him across the great hall. I’d have to be blind nae to see it.”
Piper feltthe blood drain from her face, then rush back in a hot wave. “I… nay! That’s nae what it seems like.”
“There’s nay point denyin’it, dear. I’ve been watchin’ people fall in love for sixty years. I ken what it looks like.”
“Please,”Piper whispered, her voice desperate. “Please daenae say anythin’ to him. Please. I ken it’s foolish, I ken nothin’ can come of it, but I cannae… if he kens, it’ll make everythin’ so awkward, and I’ll have to leave.”
“Breathe, lass.”Amara’s voice was gentle. “I willnae say a word to him. I promise.”
“Thank ye.”Piper slumped with relief. “Thank ye so much.”
“Though I thinkye’re wrong about one thing,” Amara added.
“About what?”
“About Elijah.About how he’d feel if he kent.” Amara’s expression grew knowing. “I’ve seen the way he looks at ye too, Piper. The way he watches ye when he thinks no one’s payin’ attention. That’s nae the look of a man who’s indifferent.”
“He’s just,he’s protective. Because I’m under his care.”
“He’sprotective because he cares about ye. More than he should, probably. More than he wants to admit.” Amara squeezed her hand again. “Give it time, dear. I think ye might be surprised.”
“I daenae think…”Piper stopped, shaking her head. “He was married to Catherine. She was beautiful and perfect and everythin’ I’m nae. How could he ever want someone else, someone lesser?”
“Catherine was beautiful, aye,”Amara interrupted. “But she was also cold and cruel and made me son miserable. He never loved her, Piper. Never even liked her much. Ye, on the other hand, ye’re warm and kind and make him smile. Make himfeelagain. That’s worth more than beauty could ever be.”
“But I’m nae beautiful.I’m just a girl from a village.” Piper gestured helplessly at herself.
