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Keir chuckled, then leaned in, whispering, “Ye look utterly fetching this morning, little wisp.”
Sarah blinked before her gaze rose, and she lifted a hand to finger her wayward curls. “Oh, you’re awful!” she chided, slapping his shoulder. “I rather detest how annoyingly cheerful you’re this morning.” Then she spun on her heel… and almost closed the door upon Loki’s tail.
The feline growled in protest, and a moment later, Sarah vanished inside.
Feeling the smile upon his face stretch from ear to ear, Keir shook his head at himself. “She’s one of a kind, is she not?” he asked the feline as they headed back down the stairs. “Have ye ever met another like her?” He sighed. “Neither have I.”
Aye, Keir loved that bold side of Sarah. He loved seeing it break through a little more each day after being suppressed for far too long. He was certain that when she came fully into her own, she would take the world by storm.
The air outside was still cold, but the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the world. Ice crystals glistened wherever he looked, and the roads were slightly frosted. Keir breathed in deeply, taking in the crisp scent of morning. He loved how the cold air filled his lungs, invigorating him.Hopefully, we’ll make good time!
Keir could not help but picture their arrival in Scotland. He wondered what his family would say about him returning with Sarah and her family. He knew that they would be welcoming; still, he wondered what conclusions they would draw. Keir could all but imagine his grandmother’s shrewd look—not unlike Grandma Edie’s. She would know even without any sort of explanation that he cared for Sarah.
She knew him too well!
Of course, she did. They were family!
When the sisters and the girls stepped outside a little while later, Keir saw with one glance that Lady Birchwell was still struggling with what little strength she had left. Her limbs seemed to tremble, and he guessed she kept herself upright by sheer will alone. Augusta and Dorothea, however, were eager and cheerful, their little legs carrying them around with ease, their faces aglow with thoughts of adventure.
“My lady.” Keir held out his arm to Sarah’s sister. “May I escort ye?”
Lady Birchwell tensed briefly, then relaxed, her breath a bit labored as she nodded. “Thank you, Mr. MacKinnear, and… please, call me… Katherine.” A touch of reluctance clung to her voice, and Keir wondered why she was offering the use of her first name. After all, it was far from common in her circles. Still, his family was a rather informal bunch, and he supposed it would be better for her to get used to it.
“May I escort ye, Katherine?” Keir asked, waiting until she took his arm, her other held protectively over Frederica. “Call me Keir.”
Kate gave him a tentative smile and then allowed him to help her into the carriage.
“Thank you,” came Sarah’s voice as he stepped back. Her blue eyes shone with gratitude, and yet he detected a hint of unease in them.
“What is it, lass?” Keir asked, pulling her aside.
Sarah glanced at her sister, then looked back at him. “She needs to rest, but she will not allow me to take Frederica. Not for long, at least.” She swallowed hard, something dark overshadowing her face. “She’s still terrified of losing them.”
Keir nodded, unable to imagine what a forced separation from her children did to a young mother. He was certain if Katherine could, she would cling to all her children as she did to Frederica.
Sighing, Sarah called to her nieces, then helped them bundle up in the carriage. All the while, Keir saw Katherine’s watchful eyes linger. Aye, it was not distrust he saw, but fear.
“Listen,” Keir spoke up cheerfully, his gaze directed at Augusta and Dorothea, “we’ll be on the road for a few more days, and I was wondering if ye’d like to ride with me sometime.”
While Augusta all but squealed with delight, Dorothea looked at him with that skeptical expression upon her face.Aye, the wee lassie is a cautious one!
“Yes!” Augusta answered without hesitation, unabashed delight upon her face. Then her eyes snapped to her mother. “Mother, can I? Please?”
Unmoving like a stone column, Katherine stared at her daughter. Keir could see that she wanted to refuse; still, the yearning expression on Augusta’s face would not allow her. “O-Of course, my darling.” She swallowed hard before her eyes met his.
Keir nodded to her. “I promise I shall take the utmost care of her and return her to ye without delay. Ye have my word, my lady.” Keir added a formal bow, hoping Katherine would see the sincerity of his words.
A faint smile flitted across her face, and her shoulders fell on a deep exhale.
“When?” Augusta demanded the moment her mother relaxed.
“Soon,” Keir replied, deciding to give Katherine a little more time to settle in before spiriting her daughter away. Although Augusta looked a bit disappointed, she said nothing, no word of complaint leaving her lips. Sarah smiled at him as she moved past him, seating herself in the carriage beside her sister.
And then, they were off, back on the road north. The sun shone brightly, offsetting the fierce wind that tugged on Keir’s hat and coat. Mr. Garner kept his head low to shield his face, and even the horses seemed displeased by the harsh tug upon their coats.
Fortunately, no one came upon them on the road. There were no thundering hoof beats catching up to them. No shouts of pursuers giving chase. Only the occasional traveler who would tip his hat in greeting and then continue on his way.
After pausing for a quick bite to eat and to allow the horses a moment of rest, Keir approached Augusta, determinedly keeping his gaze fixed on the girl, not allowing it to stray to her mother. “Are ye ready?”
