This was going to require some effort.
He picked up the next report.
Elliot came back at the end of the day with the scout update. William had spoken to a grain merchant in the village, asking about the castle’s staffing, who came and went, and the usual rhythms of the household.
“He’s buildin’ a picture,” Noah said.
“Aye. Nothin’ actionable yet. Just watchin’.”
“That’s worse.” He’d rather William made a move he could respond to than circled indefinitely like something waiting for the right moment. “Keep watchin’ him.”
“As ye command, me laird.” Elliot left.
Noah leaned back in his chair and looked at the ceiling for a moment.
William’s asking about her.
The thought sat in his chest like something cold, and beneath the cold was something much hotter. That was the simple, unambiguous fury of a man who had been willing to let his brother drink himself into the ground on the edge of the territory in peace, and was now reconsidering that stance.
He would get more information first.
He stood, straightened his coat, and went to supper.
She was already there when he arrived. Esther, too, was mid-conversation about something involving a pet, which apparently had been the subject of considerable discussion throughout the day.
“Uncle Noah,” Esther said, as he took his seat. “Do ye think one day you’ll let me have a pet of me own? Like a rabbit?”
“I think it’s likely,” he said. “But only if ye’ll make sure it doesnae make any messes around the castle.”
“Ava says sometimes these creatures might be lookin’ f-for somewhere safe.”
“That seems reasonable.” He reached for the bread.
Across the table, Ava was looking at her soup with the specific quality of attention a person gives something when they’re not quite looking at it. He could see the corner of her mouth.
"I was thinking, Bramble," she suddenly blurted. "But that might be too long."
"Ye could shorten it," Noah and Ava exchanged amused glances. "Bram."
Esther considered this seriously. "Or somethin' simpler. Like Button."
"Button," Ava said, with the corner of her mouth moving.
"Aye. Because rabbits have wee noses. Like buttons."
"That sounds about right," Noah said.
Esther beamed, then whispered, "Button MacGregor."
Noah paused. "Ye're giving it the clan name."
"Aye. And it'll live in my room," Esther said simply, as if this required no further conversation.
She reached for more bread, satisfied that the matter was settled.
Noah looked up and saw Ava watching him now. He held her gaze for a moment. She looked back at her bowl.
When supper ended, and Esther went upstairs, Ava lingered a moment to gather her things. He waited.
