“And what makes ye think whoever brought them here is willing to give one to the lad?” Evan shook his foot as another puppy bit the toe of his boot.
“Because my clansmen are nice, generous people. Whoever owns them would be delighted to give one to Gavin.”
“And I would be delighted to see them all in the stable.”
“Oh, here’s the naughty little puppies.” A woman of about forty years stood in front of them, shaking her head, her hands on her hips, watching the chaos of the animals.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Fraser.” Katie offered the woman a bright smile. “I’m so glad ye were able to join us.”
“Aye. And yer forty puppies,” Evan groused.
The woman threw her head back and offered a hearty laugh. “Aye. I’m sure it seems like forty, but ’tis only seven pups.”
Katie waved her hand at Evan. “Mrs. Fraser, this is Laird MacNeil. My laird, this is Mrs. Fraser, a former Stirling clan member who married into the Fraser clan but has since returned to us.”
The woman looked confused. “I thought this was yer family’s estate? The MacDuffs?”
Katie took the woman by the arm and moved her off to the side. “There is a story about that. But for now I think it’s best if ye gather up the puppies and take them to the stable.”
“Ach, of course.” Mrs. Fraser looked over at Gavin, who still held one of the puppies in his arms—all the love a small boy shows for a pup on his face. “Ye care to help me, Gavin? I cannot get all these pups into the stable myself.”
“Won’t we need a box or something to keep them in?” Gavin looked over at his sister. “They might run away if they’re in the stables.”
“If only,” Evan mumbled.
Katie nudged him in his ribs and addressed Gavin. “I am sure the laird can think of something we can build to house them so they don’t run away.” She looked up at him, the determination in her eyes enough to make him smile. “Isn’t that right, my laird?”
He ran his hands through his hair, pulling strands from his queue. “Aye. But first we have visits to make.”
“Then Mrs. Fraser will have to keep them in her bedchamber until ye can build something.” Her smug look annoyed him.
“I have a better idea. We go visiting, and one of yer handy clansmen can build something for the animals.”
“That’s a good idea, isn’t it, Katie?” Gavin, apparently wanting to keep the peace, looked at her eagerly. “Maybe Alasdair can help.”
Evan ran his palm down his face. He knew when it was time to let go. “Aye. Isn’t Alasdair supposed to be watching ye?”
Gavin looked confused. “Watching me?”
Katie coughed and scowled at him. “Alasdair is not watching ye, Gavin. He’s just making sure ye don’t get lost in the new castle and grounds. He thinks ye need a friend.”
“Aye.” Alasdair strode down the corridor and placed his hand on Gavin’s head. “And I was right there”—he gestured with his head—“talking to Mr. MacDuff, with my eyes on ye the whole time.”
Alasdair grinned at Evan. “Nice puppies, eh?”
“Did ye ken about this?” Evan waved at the puppies, who had apparently worn themselves out and were now all sound asleep in a pile.
“Aye, I did.”
“I’m so sorry, my laird. My dog decided to give birth along the way. I thought we had more time.” Mrs. Fraser fidgeted with her skirts and looked back and forth between him and Katie.
“’Tis all right, Mrs. Fraser. Nature tends to do things on her own schedule.” Katie smiled warmly at the puppies, and he knew he was in trouble. The lass seeme
d to have a soft heart for not just people but animals. Animals that should be kept out of the castle. A dog or two he would allow, but a goat and a horde of puppies? Nay. ’Twas time to put his foot down.
He was turning to Katie to lay down the law when she looked up at him, eyes gleaming. Her lovely lips in a slight smile. “Isn’t that right, Laird?”
Evan squeezed the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. Alasdair’s snort brought him up short, and he glared at his brother. “Ye can build a cage or whatever ye wish to keep these puppies secure.” He raised his voice and looked Katie, Mrs. Fraser, Gavin, and Alasdair in the eyes. “In the stables. Do I make myself clear?”