Page 138 of The Laird's Masked Passion

It revealed precisely who would remain beside him when it finally came.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Margaret possessed the unsettling habit of hearing the question beneath the one Elspeth asked.

“Has Colin always been so silent?” Elspeth inquired as they sat beside the fire in the small solar.

Margaret looked up from the embroidery Skye had found for her. “Silent?”

“Aye. During council matters.”

“Colin is silent during most matters.”

“I have noticed.”

Skye concealed a smile behind the linen she was folding. Elspeth ignored her.

“Daes he listen when Niall and Domhnall advise him?” Elspeth wondered.

“Usually.”

“And when he daesnae?”

“Domhnall argues. Niall becomes irritating until Colin changes his mind merely tae stop him.”

“That seems surprisingly effective.”

“It is Niall’s main gift.”

Elspeth considered this. “Were they close when they were younger?”

Margaret’s needle paused. “Very.”

“And Colin?—”

“Me lady,” Skye interrupted solemnly, “perhaps ye should simply ask whether Laird MacKenzie preferred honey or jam as a child and be finished with it.”

Elspeth turned upon her. “I am attempting tae understand me husband.”

“Of course.”

“There is a war gathering beyond these walls. Understanding the man responsible for defending them is practical.”

“Entirely,” Margaret agreed.

Her expression was kind. That made Elspeth distrust it at once.

Margaret lowered her embroidery. “Ye have asked seven questions about Colin since we sat down.”

“I have asked questions about Niall and Domhnall as well.”

“One each.”

“They required less explanation.”

Skye made a sound that might have been a cough if coughing were ordinarily performed with such enjoyment. Elspeth folded her arms.

“Both of ye are intolerable.”