Page 123 of The Laird's Masked Passion
Colin lowered the letter. Elspeth stood very still beside him, gazing across the loch as though the distant shore had become a matter of grave importance.
“She is recovering,” Colin told her.
“That is whatheclaims,” she scoffed.
“We can send someone tae learn the truth.”
“And if she isnae?” Her voice caught despite the care she took with it. “If he has made it seem less serious because he cannae be troubled tae explain?”
He did not even hesitate with his reply. “Then we will bring her here.”
Elspeth looked at him. “Ye say such things as though moving women across the Highlands is a minor household arrangement.”
“I movedye.”
“Aye.” She almost smiled. “With remarkable efficiency and very little permission.”
Under other circumstances, he might have answered. Instead, Colin folded the letter with more care than its author deserved.
“Yer faither is a cruel man.”
Her mouth tightened. “He still is me faither.”
“Aye, but that daesnae make him less cruel.”
She sighed heavily. “It makes it more difficult nae tae believe him.”
The admission was so quiet that Colin almost missed it. Elspeth looked down at the grass.
“I ken I didnae cause the attack. I ken I didnae hurt her. But she was injured while I was leaving, and I was safe while she?—”
“Ye were carried from armed men.”
“Byye.”
“Aye.”
“And she was left behind.”
Colin felt the old guilt settle heavily beneath his ribs. “I would make the same choice again.”
“I ken.”
Her answer held no accusation. That made it worse.
Elspeth reached for the fastening of her cloak. Colin watched as she pulled it free and laid it upon the stone.
He lifted an inquisitive eyebrow even before he spoke. “What are ye doing?”
“Clearing me head.”
She began unlacing her gown.
Colin stared at her. “There are less alarming methods, ye ken.”
“Perhaps. None occur tae me right now.”
“Elspeth.”
