Chapter 14

What were you saying, about the baby wanting me? Anna said quietly, her eyes shifting back and forth between Mary and the door. If he needs me, I could?—

No, Mary said sharply. No, I dont think thats wise, do you?

Ivy stopped herself from flinching at the realization that Marys sharp blue eyes had darted straight across the table to pin her.

Im sure hes in safe hands, Ivy said gently, well aware that she was being tested. But babies do need their mothers?—

Oh, poor thing. She doesnt know, does she? Marys eyes flicked to Edward and she clicked her tongue. Edward, you really ought to have told her. Thats no baby, Ivy, my dear. Marys gaze was hard and cold. No, something terrible happened to my grandson when he was born. Its a horrible story for a first meeting, but it cant be helped, Im afraid. The true child was snatched away, Im sorry to tell you. The creature that was left in his place… well, God only knows what that things true nature is.

It took every scrap of willpower Ivy possessed — not to mention her professional experience — to keep her expression calm and neutral and her voice level when she replied, You believe that the baby is a Changeling?

Believe? I know it, Mary snapped, her voice too loud in the small room. I knew it the moment I set eyes on him — and so does Brian. A father knows his son, she said firmly, squeezing Brians shoulder in a grip that made the big man wince subtly. Isnt that right, Brian?

Brian cleared his throat. But Edward cut in — and Ivy didnt miss the look of relief on Brians face. This was clearly a fraught subject. Ivy had been braced for a confronting conversation… but this was beyond what even shed anticipated. Lady Gilroy, I respect your wisdom on the subject, truly I do. But I cant help but wonder — what if youre wrong? What if Colin hasnt been taken away, and instead is unwell? Surely handing him off to a nursemaid like this, denying him any contact with his mother and father… surely that could serve to make his condition worse.

That thing is lucky its receiving any care at all, Mary snapped, her expression not changing.

Ivys gaze had drifted down to Annas face. The young woman had shrunk back into her seat, suddenly looking all of twelve years old. Her face was pale and her lips were pressed together in a thin, hard line… and the shine of unshed tears in her blue eyes told Ivy that it was taking everything in the young woman not to cry.

If I had my druthers, the little beast would have been cast out into the snow the moment it was discovered?—

Mother, please, Brian said in a low voice.

But it was too late. With a muffled sob, Anna rocketed to her feet and fled the room, spitting out a barely-audible apology around her tears. Mary watched her go with that same look of sympathy on her face, and once the door to the bedchamber had shut, she turned back to Ivy and Edward with a brisk little shake of her head.

The poor dear, she said heavily, for all the world as though someone else entirely had been responsible for the horrible things shed just said about her grandson. You can imagine what shes going through. Losing a child like that?—

The child isnt lost, Ivy said, losing control of herself for just a moment. Cool it, Ivy. Keep it together. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. I mean — what makes you so sure that the baby isnt Colin? Does he look like a Fae creature, or?—

I just know, Mary said, her voice suddenly iron hard. And Id thank you to keep your nose out of a private family affair, Lady Jones.

I apologize, Ivy said softly, forcing the words out and hoping like hell they didnt sound as resentful as they felt. To both of you — Lady Gilroy, Chieftain.

Brian waved a hand dismissively, his expression clouded — it was clear the big man was far more preoccupied with his wifes state of mind than with any insult, real or imagined, that Ivy had just been offered. But Mary gave her a thin-lipped smile and inclined her head.

Apology accepted, my dear. Well say no more of it. But for now, it might be best if you leave, hm? This family is going through enough without having to worry about guests, too. You understand.

And just like that, Ivy and Edward found themselves on the other side of the door, barely a handful of minutes after theyd arrived. They walked in stunned silence down the hallway — Ivy had no idea where they were going, knowing only that they needed to get away from that woman.

Wow, she said finally, once theyd emerged into the morning sunlight, blinking and shellshocked. I — wow. Edward, I have met some challenging grandparents in my time, but that woman…

Shes certainly something, Edward agreed faintly.

Ivy opened her mouth to ask more questions — then closed it again, frowning a little as she noticed the way the man was swaying on his feet. Belatedly, she realized the poor man had been up all night. Shed barely survived the run-in with Mary Gilroy on a full night of sleep — she couldnt imagine getting through it after a whole night of guard duty. It was a miracle he was still upright.

I think we could both use some rest, she said, grinning a little at the relieved little nod he gave her in response. Youve been up all night, for a start… and I might need a few hours to recompose myself. Why dont we meet for dinner?

Edward nodded agreement, glancing up at the clear sky above them. Itll be a fine night, he said thoughtfully. Whats say we share a meal on the battlements?

She blinked, looking up toward the roof of the Keep. Shed been up there once or twice, on the urgings of the other women to get a good look at the view, but the weather had been rainy and unpleasant when shed tried. The prospect of a picnic dinner on the roof of a castle was almost enough to dispel the unpleasant experience that had been the confrontation with Mary Gilroy.

That sounds like a good idea to me, she said with a soft smile. Itll be good to be able to speak without fear of being overheard.

Ill meet you up there just before sunset. And with that, Edward gave her another of those dazzling smiles of his, and they parted ways.

She wandered back into the castle, knowing that she needed to make quite a few notes about the encounter shed just had with Colins family… but for some reason, all she could think about was how much she was looking forward to having dinner with Edward. Theyd eaten together plenty of times before, of course, but this was different. This involved sneaking off together, alone, to watch the sunset from a perfect vantage point…

If she didnt know any better, shed have sworn hed just asked her on a date.