Page 184 of Moon Craving

and being amused by the fact that Lachlan seemed every bit as concerned about Emily's

safety on the narrow stairway as Talorc was about her.

"It's a tactical advantage, I'll give you that," Lachlan said to Talorc. "But it is not

practical for a laird with a family to consider."

Talorc looked at the stairs, then at the sleeping baby in Emily's arms and finally at

Abigail, where his gaze lingered for long seconds. "I see your meaning," he said with a

look she could not decipher.

She had no trouble deciphering the angry frown Guaire sent toward the other end

of the table. No doubt Osgard had said something rude again. Ignoring him was getting

more and more difficult, but she wasn't about to whine to Talorc like a spoiled child. She

had enjoyed more acceptance from her clan than she ever would have hoped for.

One man's intransigent insistence on unpleasantness was not significant. Not

even if he found his twin in the tower's housekeeper's attitude.

Niall at least was never mean with his words, nor did he ever attempt to undermine

her with others. Whatever was going on with her estranged friend, she had hope of one

day renewing their camaraderie.

The next week was one of the most convivial of Abigail's life. She and her sister

worked in her herb garden together while Gail napped in the shade. When the baby was

awake, they played with her and spent more time visiting amidst Abigail's clan.

Emily exclaimed over and over again about the friendly attitude the clan treated

her with now that she was wed to someone besides their laird. "I can only think my

absolute lack of desire to marry their laird showed in my every action."

"He learned from the way he treated you and established my role with the

clanspeople immediately."

Emily grinned, and like most days, Abigail found herself telling her sister all about

her life since Emily had left her father's keep, including Abigail's experiences as a newly

married laird's lady. They had not yet got around to Emily telling Abigail the full story of

how she had ended up married to Lachlan.

"Remember, you had letters to read from me. I got no correspondence from you."

Sir Reuben had been unwilling to send a messenger all the way north to the Highlands