Despite himself, his lips twitched. “The point is that ye’re nae a rabbit. Ye’re a wee lass who needs to practice proper hygiene.”
“That’s a very long word.” Another step. “What does it mean?”
“It means—” He broke off as she climbed onto his lap without invitation, settling herself and her rabbit like she belonged there. “Eloise.”
“Yes?” She blinked up at him with those green eyes, the picture of innocence.
“I’m workin’.”
“I know. I’ll be very quiet. You won’t even know I’m here.” She arranged Bluebell more comfortably in her arms. “See? Bluebell is being quiet too.”
Declan looked down at the child now occupying his lap and at the rabbit that was indeed being remarkably still, and he felt something in his chest do an uncomfortable flip.
When did this happen?
“Ye’re a terror, ye know that?”
“Fraser says I’m delightful.”
“Fraser is wrong about many things.”
“But not about you being the best stone skipper.” She shifted to look up at him more fully. “That was true. I counted.”
“Aye, well.” He tried to sound stern and failed. “Stone skippin’ is important. Baths are important too.”
“Can I stay just a little while? Until the water gets cold, so I don’t have to take one?”
“That’s nae how it works, lassie.”
“Please?” She settled more firmly against his chest. “I promise I’ll be quiet. I’ll even help with your work. I’m very good at numbers.”
“Are ye now?”
“Mmm. I can count all the way to one hundred. And I know my letters. I could read some of these papers for you.”
Before he could respond, another knock sounded, this one more forceful.
“Come in.”
Francesca opened the door, slightly breathless, her hair coming loose from its pins. She took in the scene—Eloise curled in his lap, Bluebell dozing in her arms, Declan’s hand resting on the child’s shoulder—and froze.
“There you are.” Her voice was carefully neutral. “Betsy has been looking everywhere for you, darling.”
“I was helping Laird MacGhee with his work,” Eloise announced without shame. “Very important clan business.”
“Is that so?” Francesca’s lips twitched. “And what clan business requires a rabbit?”
“All the best clan business requires rabbits. Everyone knows that.”
“I see.” Francesca moved into the room, and Declan felt his awareness sharpen. She smelled of lavender and something sweet, honey, maybe, from tea. Her day dress was wrinkled from the ride, and there was still dirt on her hem from the riverbank. She looked beautiful and tired and utterly devastating.
“Eloise,” he said quietly. “Ye should go with yer aunt. The bath water will be cold soon.”
“But.”
“No buts. Off with ye.” He lifted her gently, setting her on her feet. “And take that rabbit before he makes a mess on me papers.”
Francesca crouched to meet the child’s eyes. “You know better, darling. Baths are not optional.”
