Page 31 of The Wolf Laird's Obsession
“I mean it,” Flora said, fixing her hair in a braid. “Last night tells ye nae of yer worth. Nae of yer beauty. Nae of what ye are fit to be in this keep.”
Sorcha’s gaze dropped to her lap.
What else am I meant to think? I waited for him, offered him all that was meant to be his, and he left me untouched.
Nay. Nae untouched, but wounded.
She was certain he had wanted her, but he had turned away as if the sight of her appalled him.
She got up from the bed, letting Flora help her dress.
“It’s nae yer fault,” Flora said.
Sorcha gave a short laugh, but there was no humor in it. “That is easily said.”
“It’s true. The shame sits with him.”
Sorcha shook her head. “Men daenae bear shame for such things. Women do.”
Flora opened her mouth to reply, but a soft knock interrupted her. Both women turned to each other, then turned to the door.
The knock came again, then the door opened a crack. Elspeth stood there with one hand still on the knob, as if she feared she’d come to the wrong place. In her other hand was Mr. Turtle, clutched to her chest, hiding in his shell.
“Can I come in?”
Sorcha’s heart pinched at the sight of her.
“Aye,” Flora replied, waving her in. “Come in, wee dove.”
Elspeth walked carefully inside, her eyes going to Sorcha first before going to Flora.
Flora curtsied with a bright smile. “I’m Flora, me Lady. Ye must be Lady Elspeth.” She nodded lightly to the turtle. “And who might that be?”
“This is Mr. Turtle,” Elspeth replied softly.
“I’m honored to meet ye both,” Flora said, bowing as if being introduced to someone of great importance.
That earned her a giggle from the little girl.
Sorcha smiled despite herself. She walked up to Elspeth and leaned down to meet her eyes. “Does Morag ken ye’re here? Ye’re nae going to get us in trouble, are ye?” she teased.
Elspeth scrunched up her nose, shaking her head. “Aye, Morag kens I’m here.” She went to grab Sorcha’s hand. “I told her I wanted to show ye Mr. Turtle’s home.”
Sorcha raised an eyebrow. “Isnae this his home?”
“Aye,” Elspeth said, pulling her toward the door. “But he has another home. And a family too!”
Flora smiled. “Oh? And where is his home?”
“The pond, of course!” Elspeth exclaimed.
Flora and Sorcha looked at each other, laughing.
“Of course!” Flora said, amused.
“Hurry,” Elspeth urged. “He likes the pond in the mornin’. That’s when he’s happiest.”
Flora reached for Sorcha’s shawl. “We mustnae keep the gentleman waitin’.”
