She cared for Daisy, and those feelings only deepened the more time they spent together. Daisy deserved to have the family she wanted, and it hurt Thalia to know that she would never be able to give it to her.
She wanted to burst into the room to comfort the girl, but Finlay seemed to have the situation in hand.
“Next time ye have these feelings, I want ye to come and tell me about them. I daenae want anymore schemin’ or sneakin’ around from now on, do ye understand?”
Daisy nodded. “Aye.”
Finlay pulled her into a hug, and Thalia carefully slipped away.
Her earlier assurances had crumpled again upon seeing Finlay talking to and comforting Daisy. It confused her to no end. Every time she thought she had him figured out, he would do something else to contradict it.
How could he possibly be all of these things at once? A loving father and a dangerous laird. The Highland Wolf and someone who would pretend to be her betrothed just to get her out of trouble.
As she reached the stairs, she was greeted by her sister, who was blissfully ignorant of her inner conflict.
“Good mornin’,” Ava greeted with a smile. “Did ye sleep well?”
“Well enough,” Thalia lied.
Ava gave her a questioning look. “Are ye well?”
Thalia sighed. “I’m nae sure.”
Ava wrapped an arm around her waist, and the two continued their trek down to the breakfast room. “I understand, but it’s a new day. I’m sure that after a nice rest, Uncle will be in much better spirits. There’s nothing to worry about.”
Thalia tried not to let the surprise show on her face. With all of her contemplations, she had almost forgotten about her uncle and Harrison, whom she would have to entertain until the cèilidh.
However, it was just breakfast, and she was certain that all major incidents were now over and behind them.
CHAPTER 12
Caden was alreadyin the breakfast room when Thalia and Ava entered. The servants were still setting up the table, and Thalia was pleased to see seven places laid out.
“Good mornin’,” he greeted them, moving to give his wife a swift kiss on the cheek.
“Ye seem to be in a good mood,” Thalia noted.
“Aye. I find I am enjoyin’ havin’ some time alone with me wife.” He gave a cheeky grin, and Ava pushed him back halfheartedly, a light pink coloring her cheeks as she huffed.
“Ah, ye big flirt,” she said, but the amusement in her voice took the edge off.
“Speakin’ of flirts,” Caden joked. “Have ye seen Finlay yet?”
Ava shook her head, and Thalia almost did as well in an effort to hide her guilt, before she remembered she had seen him in less suspicious circumstances.
“Aye, he was with Daisy earlier.”
“Oh, that lassie,” Ava sighed. “Caden mentioned she was the one who sent the letter.”
Thalia nodded. “I daenae ken how she got the idea, but I cannae say I’m nae grateful.”
“Oh, if Joanna grows up and does somethin’ half as foolish,” Ava shook her head, “I’ll lock her up in her room for the rest of her life.”
“Daisy’s young, and she’s had a hard life. She made a mistake, and I’m sure she’s learned her lesson,” Thalia said.
“She’s a smart lassie,” Caden agreed. “She’ll figure it out.”
Ava nodded. “Aye, ye’re right. We should head back to MacCabe Castle soon, at least to get Thalia’s things sorted. I also want to check on the children.”
