Page 138 of Moon Craving

illnesses and injuries.

She was digging in the dirt around a fragrant stand of lavender when she noticed

her husband's approach. She looked up with a smile. Though she hated doing so, she

avoided him as much as possible during the day on the supposition that the less time they

spent in each other's company, the less likely it would be for him to discover her secret.

Her heart always filled with gladness when she saw him, however. And she was

sure it showed on her face. "Good day, Talorc."

Her current escort bowed to his laird in greeting. Talorc returned the greeting and

then dismissed the young soldier to other duties.

"You plan to rescue my mother's garden?" he asked Abigail.

Shocked, she rocked back onto her heels. "This was your mother's garden?"

"Aye."

"She was an herbalist?"

He gave Abigail that look that said she was still a mystery to him and he blamed it

on her English roots. "She studied the art of healing both body and spirit with herbs, if that

is what you mean."

Abigail nodded. "I wish I could have known her."

For a woman who had gone so long speaking so very little, Abigail too often found

her foot in her mouth now.

Thankfully, Talorc did not look offended by her unthinking observation. "I too wish

you had that opportunity."

"Thank you." She bit her lip. "Does it bother you I am working in her garden?"

Perhaps it had become so overgrown because Talorc had not wanted anyone else to

touch his mother's plants.

"No. It is fitting."

"Because I am now lady of the Sinclairs as she was?"

"Because you are my wife and a sweet angel. She would have liked you."

Abigail's heart was about burst from the praise. "Thank you for saying so."

"It is never a hardship to speak the truth."

If only he knew. Some truths caused nothing but pain.