Page 196 of Moon Craving

Talorc and the other soldiers.

Una expressed her concern for Abigail's health, but Abigail was in no mood to play

happy families with the widow after her cold treatment and attempts to undermine

Abigail's authority with the other clan members who served in the tower. She simply

pretended not to notice the woman speaking to her.

The red that covered Una's cheeks said she knew Abigail had not answered on

purpose, but she did not attempt to speak to her laird's wife again.

"What was that all about?" Guaire asked while Talorc and Barr were busy planning

their day with the soldiers. "I thought you were trying to win her over."

"I've given up." For now anyway. "I just don't have the good humor to deal with her

right now."

"She had her hopes of ending her widowed status with Talorc before the king's

edict."

That might explain Una's initial coldness, but it did not excuse it. "She said she had

been housekeeper for three years. If Talorc had been interested, he would have shown it

before now."

"No doubt." Guaire frowned, looking sad and defeated. "She's set her sights on a

different warrior now."

"Niall?" Abigail asked intuitively.

"Yes."

Abigail squeezed his hand in silent commiseration.

Guaire's eyes widened and then he mouthed a thank-you before squeezing her

hand back.

Niall crossed his arms, drawing Abigail's attention. "If you two are finished holding

hands, perhaps you would care to see to your duties, Seneschal."

It looked like she wasn't the only grumpy one around here this morning.

Guaire's expression turned dourer. "I am going to the blacksmith's to check the

progress on the tools our clan will take for trade to the gathering. Would you like to

come?"

"Yes. I want to tell Magnus thank you for the gardening tool he made for me."