Something about the comment tickled Elle. It was the love behind it. Though Stone was complaining, joy lit his eyes as he looked down at the girl. Blair had a beautiful family. Her heart squeezed. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a family of her own? It’d always been Elle and her brother, and she’d had little time to dream about being a mother.
They began making their way up the cliff and Blair, once again, swung her into his arms. “Blair,” she hissed, wondering what the others would think.
“Ye can’t walk it on the ankle, it’s too difficult.” Blair returned pleasantly.
Tension filled the air. No one spoke, but they didn’t have to. The house came into view, well, castle really, and Elle tried not to stare. It was larger than any structure she’d ever seen in her entire life. As they made their way through the gates and into the main entrance, Blair finally set her down.
Walking into a sitting room just off the main hall, a table full of food sat to one side. It made her breakfast this morning seem tiny by comparison and her stomach rumbled with need.
The family chatted and began to filter toward the food. It was standard Scottish fair but sheer volume of food made her eyes wide. She didn’t belong here. She didn’t belong in Blair’s arms for that matter.
“Ye should eat.” Blair put his hand at her waist again.
Elle gave her head a little shake. “I couldn’t.”
“Ye’re my guest, Elle.” Blair gave a tiny pull.
“Why wouldn’t ye eat?” Stone rumbled from next to the table.
Elle swallowed. “Blair had mentioned that ye might be willing to employ me.” Elle heard Blair’s soft groan. She didn’t know what it meant but she barreled on. “It doesn’t seem right that I’d eat with the family.”
Stone had been in the process of taking a bite of food. His mouth hung open. “Employ ye?” he asked, then looked at Blair. “I think it’s time we talked.”
Chapter Seven
Elle was uncomfortable. She was stiff as a board, her mouth drawn in a bow. He wouldn’t normally have touched her so much in front of his family but her face was pale and her eyes huge. She looked a little like she was drowning again.
If he were honest, he never expected that Elle would move down here with his brother. He fully intended to rid the area of Malcolm McKenzie and for Elle and Ailean to stay with him. In what capacity he hadn’t decided but he’d be damned if he’d let the man drive Elle and Ailean from their home.
His family loaded up plates and carried them over to the fire that burned in the hearth. As they ate, Blair recapped the story of how he’d found Elle, the bargain they had struck, the fear of the other townsmen, and the fire. Elle remained silent throughout, allowing him to speak to his family. When he finished, Stone didn’t turn to him but to Elle.
“And so ye’d like to stay and work here?” Stone sat forward assessing Elle.
She nodded her head. “But first I need to settle the debt with yer brother.”
“Some people might just accept the favor,” Stone repli
ed, his head cocking to the side.
Elle gave hers a furious shake and Blair understood why. She adamantly refused to rely on anyone. “It wouldn’t be right,” she answered. “Besides, he can’t go back there alone to face Malcolm.”
Stone nodded and then his gaze turned to Blair’s. Stone’s eyes darkened with emotion. “So ye’ve got yerself into a bit of trouble have ye?”
“I didn’t get myself into trouble,” Blair rumbled. “He’s causing trouble. There’s a difference.”
“So there is.” Stone sat back. “Elle, ye seem like ye could use a bath and rest. Eliza, would you show our guest to her room?”
“A bath?” Elle turned to him, her eyes wide again. “I don’t need such a luxury, honestly.”
Blair took her hand, giving it a squeeze of comfort. “It’s a fine idea.”
Eliza rose. “Follow me. Can you manage the stairs?”
Elle gave an affirmative jerk to her chin and followed Eliza out.
“Delia,” Stone turned to their sister. “Show Ailean the barn. He’d like it.”
“Yay,” Delia cried as both of them bounced up.