Page 62
Callum, too, noticed. He kept pacing, shooting Evander concerned looks.
“Callum, will ye say what’s on yer mind already? Yer pacing is annoying me.”
He cleared his throat. “Just checking on ye, me Laird. Is the lad all right?”
“Aye, he will be.”
“And Jack?” he probed, barely hiding his amusement.
Evander’s jaw tightened. “What about Jack?”
“Only that half the castle heard the shouting. Ye ken how sound carries through the walls.”
“Then half the castle should mind their own affairs.”
“Oh, they are, me Laird.” Callum rocked back on his heels. “‘Tis only that Mrs. Fraser has the kitchen lads wagering on who’ll win the next round.”
“There’ll be no next round.”
“Of course nae. Shall I tell her to put her coin away, then?”
“Tell her whatever ye like. And Callum?”
“Aye.”
“One more word of this, and ye’ll be mucking the stables till Martinmas.”
Callum grinned. “Then I’ll say nothing else, but—”
“Callum, did I nae just tell ye nae to say anything else about this?”
He chuckled, but Evander could tell his friend wasn’t going to let it go. Still, it was nice to know that someone was on his side in all this.
“Jack will never warm up to ye,” Callum pointed out.
“And?” Evander raised an eyebrow. “That was never news to me, Callum. I’ve always ken how Jack feels about me. He never made that a secret.”
“But with yer wife—”
Evander narrowed his eyes. “Ye really want to bring up Freya right now, after everything that has happened?”
Callum cleared his throat. “I daenae mean anything by it, me Laird. But he clearly doesnae care for her, and the longer she is here, the worse that judgment will get.”
“Then let him judge,” Evander said darkly. “He kens what the consequences are if he makes any more comments. “Now, let us get to work.”
Callum fell into step beside him as they crossed the courtyard. “And what work would that be, me Laird?”
“The north wall. Ye said yerself the stones are loose.”
“Aye, I did, but it’s already been taken care of.”
Evander shot him another dark look. “Are ye saying I’ve been neglectful?”
“I’m saying ye’ve been distracted.” Callum held up his hands before Evander could answer. “‘Tis no criticism. A newlywed man has other things on his mind.”
“Me mind is exactly where it should be.”
“Then ye’ll nae mind me asking how long Freya means to stay here.”
