“Can we… play now?”she asked.
Gracie smiled,feeling a surge of protectiveness and warmth. She knew that playing would distract them so they could eventually return to bed. “Aye, and now we can think of other things, like our games and our stories,” she said brightly, trying to shift their minds to lighter thoughts.
The girls brightened a little,and Gracie led them back to the nursery.
“Tell me,who wants to play the princesses and knights?” she asked, her voice cheerful. The twins clapped their hands, forgetting their fears for the moment. Gracie felt her heart ease, grateful to see their laughter returning.
The twins tuggedat her hands, pulling her fully down the corridor. Gracie laughed, letting herself be swept into their world of make-believe, and silently promised she would find Jaxon soon, to remind him that family always comes first.
Two days later,Gracie sank into her chair, wrapping her shawl tighter around her shoulders as a knock came to the door. She thought it was Jaxon, though she was confused as to why he would knock.
She openedthe door to April.
April lingered in the doorway.“I came to check on ye. It's been a while since we had one of our talks.”
“Aye, I’m nae doin’well, April,” she said softly, eyes downcast. “Jaxon… he ignores me, and I cannae help but feel like I daenae matter to him.”
April steppedin and closed the door, concern etched on her face. “Och, lass, it is the business with Edmund still weighin’ heavy on him. Give it time, Gracie, he’ll come to himself soon enough.” She placed a gentle hand on Gracie’s arm. “Ye ken his heart, and he cares for ye, though he struggles to show it.”
Gracie let out a long sigh,leaning back and staring out the window at the moonlit courtyard.
“April…do ye ever miss home? McDougal castle?” she asked quietly, curiosity and concern in her tone. April’s eyes softened, a wistful smile touching her lips.
“Aye, I do,”April admitted. “But I am findin’ me place here at McMillan castle. ’Tis a fine home, and I am glad for a fresh start,to see new lands, meet new folk…” Her voice trailed off as a mischievous blush colored her cheeks.
Gracie arched a brow,amusement lighting her face. “Any particular folk, lass?” she asked, teasing gently.
April’s blush deepened,and she looked away for a moment before murmuring, “Well… there is a certain servant I fancy. He’s kind and steady, and he takes me on long walks around the gardens when he can.”
Gracie laughed softlyand reached out, pulling April into a warm hug. “Och, April! I want nothin’ but the best for ye. A fine lad, and ye deserve happiness, as all do.”
April giggled into her shoulder,clearly delighted by Gracie’s enthusiasm.
“Ye must promise me, lass,”Gracie said, holding her at arm’s length to peer into her eyes. “Ye’ll nae let shyness or fear keep ye from tellin’ him how ye feel. Life is too short for regret, and love… well, it’s too rare to pass by quietly.”
April nodded,still flushed but determined. “Aye, Gracie, I will. Ye always give the best counsel. A fine Lady ye are turnin’ into.”
She paused,then laughed softly. “’Tis strange to think of me as a lady at all, but here I am, learnin’ to stand tall among fine folk.”
Gracie smiled,her own heart lightened by her maid’s enthusiasm. “Now tell me, when ye take him on one of these walks, what’s it like? Does he make ye laugh?”
April’s eyes sparkled,and she leaned closer, lowering her voice in a conspiratorial whisper. “Aye… he does. He has a clever wit, and he listens when I talk. ’Tis rare to find a man who cares for words as much as deeds, Gracie.”
Gracie clapped her hands softly,excitement bubbling in her chest. “Och, lass, I can see why ye’re taken with him. Promise me ye’ll nae hide yer heart. And when he makes ye laugh, let him ken he’s caught ye proper.”
April laughed again,nodding firmly. “I promise, Gracie. And thank ye… ’tis comfortin’ to speak with ye. Ye always make the burdens feel lighter, and the joys brighter.”
Gracie squeezed her shoulder,smiling fondly. “That’s what friends are for, April. But mind, tell me every wee detail of this courtship of yours.”
“Aye,me lady. I shall… and I’ll keep ye informed on every smile and blush he gives me!”
Gracie chuckled softly,watching her maid with a spring in her step.
Later that evening,Gracie stepped quietly down the corridor, the soft glow of the candle in her hand casting long shadows on the stone walls. Her feet carried her to the nursery. Gently, she set the candle down and moved to tuck the blankets snugly around Rose and Eden.
“Faither…has he nae come to see us?” Rose mumbled, her small voice trembling with disappointment.
Eden nodded,clutching her doll closer to her chest.
