“Faither! Ye’re eatin’ with us tonight?” she asked, giddy with excitement.
“Aye.” He nodded, his gaze turning to Ava. “Where is Thalia?”
Ava gave him a hard look that let him know what her answer was going to be before she said it. “She hasnae eaten with us since ye came back from Beauly.”
Finlay frowned. So Thaliawasavoiding him. Not just using different entrances to keep their interactions to a minimum, but actively making sure she wouldn’t be in the place as him.
He took his seat at the head of the table just as the maid came in with an extra plate and a cup of ale. He downed the ale in a few short gulps and signaled for another.
“Daisy,” he said, and her twin braids whipped around with her head. “Why daenae ye tell me about yer lessons today?”
Daisy grinned, launching into a story of the things she learned from Thalia. Finlay only half listened as he ate his food, tasting none of it. He chewed mechanically, swallowing what might as well have been tree bark.
“I helped pull out the weeds today! Did ye ken that if ye leave them to grow, they can overtake other plants until they’re the only ones left?” Daisy continued. “Thalia said that nae all of them are bad. There are the bright yellow ones that are used for some medicines.” She scrunched up her face in thought. “They’re yellow, or white and fluffy… och, I daenae remember what they’re called.”
“Dandelions,” Ava supplied helpfully.
“Aye!” Daisy brightened again. “Dan-de-lions. Thalia let me eat one, too! She says it’s important that I remember which plants are edible and which arenae, in case I find meself lost in the woods again. But I told her that wouldnae happen anymore.”
She turned her brilliant smile back on Finlay, who found his throat constricting slightly at the sudden burst of emotion.
In such a short time, Daisy was finally beginning to grow into a confident and happy child. She had grown so much, and he was missing it in his preoccupation with keeping his distance from Thalia.
“Daisy, what do ye say after dinner we have some of those chocolates I brought back the other day?” he asked.
He was rewarded with a gleeful gasp, and she set her fork down pointedly. “Aye! I’m done now.”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “Nay. If ye want sweets, ye’re goin’ to have to eat all of the food on yer plate.”
Her pout was enough to make him chuckle, but not enough to make him give in.
“I willnae hear any arguments,” he added.
“Yer faither is right,” Ava chimed in. “If ye want to grow up as strong as him, and as smart as Thalia, ye will need to eat all of yer dinner.”
Daisy sighed, but picked up her fork with some resignation and continued to eat her peas.
“Are ye implying that I am nae smart, Ava?” Finlay asked, the wording she used having not escaped his notice.
“I wouldneverdare to insult a laird in his own castle.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but Finlay chose to let it go.
He could tell she was annoyed with him, probably because of Thalia, but she would be far worse if he knew what had actually gone on between the two of them. Especially since she had worked so hard to keep the two of them apart.
He wondered if some part of her had suspected this might happen, or if it was just her being overly cautious. Regardless, she had been right in her assumptions.
“I’m done!” Daisy announced with a triumphant smile. “Can we have sweets now? Please?”
Finlay laughed, motioning to one of the servants. “Can ye bring one of the boxes from the kitchen? Thank ye.”
As the servant disappeared, Ava stood.
“I think I’m goin’ to retire early tonight,” she said. “After I go check on me sister.”
“Good night, Aunt Ava!” Daisy chirped.
Ava smiled, coming around the table to give her a quick hug. “Good night, sweet Daisy.” Her smile faded as she glanced back at Finlay. “Finlay. I’ll see ye at the cèilidh tomorrow.”
“Good night, Ava.”
