‘She must be somethin’ special for him to defend her like that...’
Great.
By tomorrow, the whole village would be talking about how the Laird himself came to her defense. The gossip would spread through the territory like wildfire, becoming more elaborate and scandalous with each retelling.
She should be mortified and worried about her reputation and what people say.
Instead, all she could think about was how Noah had said“what’s mine.”
Like she mattered.
It was a dangerous thought—a foolish one.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Noah watched Ava emerge an hour later, her cheeks flushed and her braid even messier than before. She looked exhausted but victorious, and he found himself strangely pleased to see the fire still burning in her eyes despite Malcolm’s earlier attempt to put it out.
“All settled?” he asked as she approached where he and Esther had been browsing the market stalls.
“Aye.” Ava held up a small pouch that clinked with coins. “Malcolm paid me everythin’ he owed, plus the extra week ye demanded. And apologized. Three times.” She shook her head. “I’ve worked for that man for three years and never once heard him apologize to anyone.”
“Good.” Noah shifted the basket he’d been carrying—he’d bought some bread and cheese for Esther, who was currently nibbling on a piece while watching the other market-goers withwide eyes. “Then ye’re free to accompany us for the rest of the day.”
“Actually, I still have business to attend to.” Ava tucked the coin purse into her skirt pocket. “I need to go to the orphanage, say me proper goodbyes. And I have to tell the owner of me cottage that I’m leavin’.”
“We’ll come with ye.”
Ava’s eyebrows rose. “To the orphanage?”
“Esther might enjoy playin’ with the other children.” It wasn’t entirely why he wanted to go, but it was reason enough.
Truth was, Noah didn’t quite understand this protective urge that kept rising in his chest whenever he looked at Ava. It made no sense. She was perfectly capable of handling herself; she’d proven that multiple times already.
But something about her drew out his protective instincts in a way he couldn’t quite explain.
It’s because she’s rescued Esther, he told himself firmly.Because she cared for me niece when she was lost and frightened. Simple gratitude, nothin’ more.
“Fine,” Ava sighed, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “But try nae to terrify the children with all yer scowlin’.”
“I daenae scowl.”
“Ye’re scowlin’ right now.”
Noah realized his brows were indeed drawn together and consciously smoothed his expression. Esther giggled, and the sound was so unexpected and delightful that Noah forgot to be annoyed at Ava’s teasing.
They made their way through the village streets, Esther walking between them and occasionally reaching out to touch Ava’s skirt, as if reassuring herself that the woman was still there.
Noah noticed the looks they were receiving—curious glances and whispered conversations behind hands. Word of the incident at the tavern had clearly spread.
Let them talk. Gossip was normal for the villagers. But a Laird's business was his own.
.
The orphanage appeared even more run-down in the bright daylight than it did the day before. The stone walls were chipped and crumbling in spots, the roof had noticeable gaps, and the small yard was muddy and empty. Still, the sound of children’s laughter coming from inside somehow made it seem less abandoned.
“Mrs. Crawford!” Ava called as they entered. “It’s me!”
The elderly woman emerged from what appeared to be a storage room, her face lighting up when she saw them. “Ava, dear! And ye’ve brought the wee lass back. And the Laird,” she added, dropping into a hasty curtsy that made her knees crack audibly.
