Page 123 of Moon Craving

"No more often than necessary," Magnus replied laconically.

"The lairds have approved our visit to the island after the next full moon so I can

visit my family," Susannah said with a smile. "My mother is eager to see our children."

Abigail smiled. "That's wonderful."

"Your family is now the Sinclair clan," her husband admonished with exaggerated

patience.

"And I'm not going to pretend my mother, my brother and his wife no longer exist

just because I've married one of the reclusive Sinclair clan."

"We are recluses? The Balmoral live on an island with no other clans."

"And it's not an island you mind visiting. You like the hunting there."

Magnus didn't reply, but Abigail wasn't disturbed by the couple's banter. She was

more adept than most at reading the language of the body, and it was clear the blacksmith

and his wife held no real animosity over their discussion.

Susannah rolled her eyes and spoke to Abigail. "My point, before my husband

interrupted with an old argument, was that we could take your gifts and deliver them to

your sister if you like."

"That would not be too great a burden?" Abigail asked, truly moved at the offer and

blinking back moisture. "I should love to let my sister know I am well and living in the

Highlands now." She could not trust Sybil to send word of Abigail's new circumstances to

Emily.

"I will pass on any messages you like," Susannah generously offered.

"Thank you so much. If you do not mind, I will include a letter with her gifts."

"You can write?" the blacksmith asked curiously.

"Yes. Emily taught me."

"She is independent, that one. Our laird can read as well," Magnus announced

proudly. "As can our Guaire. 'Tis why he was chosen seneschal."

"That and the fact he is the only clan member who can read that does not shake

the pleats from his plaid when the elite warriors gather together in one place." Susannah

smiled with approval at Guaire.

He shrugged, but his expression said the clanswoman had a point.