Page 125 of Moon Craving

It was this attitude that had caused Emily so much distress and fed Abigail's earlier

concerns about meeting the clan. However, Abigail had spent the past several years

being reviled by her own mother. She had developed a core of solid stone. She would not

be cowed by irrational hatred.

"MacAlpin betrayed his own people. We don't distrust the Chrechte because of

what one man did," Guaire stood and replied before Abigail had a chance to defend

herself.

"It's not the same."

"No, it isn't," Abigail agreed. "MacAlpin wanted power and Tamara had her own

reasons for betraying your clan, but I have nothing to gain by making enemies here. I

have nothing to return to in England."

"Why should I believe you?" Una asked belligerently.

"Because I'm telling the truth, but maybe you will need time to accept that."

"Time is not something she has," Guaire said, his face set. "I will make sure the

laird is made aware of your stand on the matter, Una."

Una blanched, proving she might be prejudiced, but she wasn't stupid.

Abigail shook her head though. "No."

His brows drawn together in a frown, Guaire said, "The laird's instructions in the

matter were clear."

"My mind is made up." Abigail crossed her arms over her chest and gave Guaire

her best no-nonsense frown. "I will spend the next month getting to know Una and she will

come to know her lady, not the English hobgoblin she imagines that has her so

frightened."

"I am not afraid," Una denied with disdain.

"What will happen in a month's time?" Guaire asked, ignoring the other woman's

continued posturing.

"If she cannot learn to respect, if not actually like me, then she will be relieved of

her position as housekeeper and head cook for her laird."

Una's mouth opened and then snapped shut without forming any words.

Guaire shook his head at her. "It is more than you should expect. Talorc made it