Free Grace in Thine Eyes by Liz Curtis Higgs

gloaming he would reach his first night’s lodging.
    Retracing his route along the Fishmarket, he instinctively watched for Will and Sandy in the crowd. Were they still in their bedchambers getting settled or exploring the shadowy closes? Acquainting themselves with their landlord or determining the shortest route to a public house? Little time remained before their work at university began in earnest. The summer term commenced at daybreak.
    When he caught a glimpse of the stables in Horse Wynd, Will’s earlier request came to mind. You will see to Davina’s welfare? Naturally, he would. I fear our sister will have a lonely summer . His daughter deserved every happiness he might provide. Jamie slowed his steps, again considering the possibilities. Could nothing be done to gladden the months ahead for her?
    Of course . Jamie almost laughed aloud, so easily did the solution come to him. Arran .
    Hadn’t Reverend Stewart invited Davina to come visit his daughters whenever it suited? Now was the perfect time. What better place for a young woman to spend the long days of summer? With an island to explore and cousins to get to know, she’d not miss her brothers. And Leana would be delighted with the idea; Jamie was certain of it.
    He strode toward the stables, full of purpose. A letter must be sent to Arran at once by way of a westbound mail coach through Glasgow—far more efficient than waiting to post a letter from Monnigaff. Should he inform Davina of the possibility when he arrived home? Or wait until an invitation came by return mail? That could take a fortnight orlonger. The corners of his mouth twitched as he imagined Davina’s expression. How his daughter would fuss at him for keeping secrets!
    “Aren’t ye the blithe one, sir?” The stable lad grinned at him from his perch at the arched entranceway. “I’ll see tae yer mount. A black geldin’, aye?” He disappeared for a bit, then returned with Jamie’s horse, saddled for the journey. “D’ye hae a lang raik , sir?”
    “ ’Tis a few days’ journey.” Jamie took the reins in hand, eager to be on his way. “I’ve a letter to send first.” He was already composing the lines in his mind as he mounted his horse, then fished out two coppers, the metallic sound muted by his gloves.
    The lad accepted the coins with a bob of his scruffy cap. “Ye’ll find the post office near the mercat cross, sir.”
    “ ’Tis where I’m headed.” Jamie aimed his gelding north, calling over his shoulder, “A fine summer to you, lad.” And to you, my darling daughter. And to you, my sons of Edinburgh .

Ten
The silent countenance often speaks.
O VID
    P romise not to tell your father, for the truth would surely wound him.” Leana leaned across a freshly weeded corner of her garden and dropped her voice to a whisper. “But hasn’t it been lovely having Glentrool all to ourselves?”
    Davina nodded with enthusiasm.
    “I’m so glad you agree.” Leana laughed, then eased her hands back into the soil. She missed Jamie, of course, and longed for his return. But she’d enjoyed these quiet days with her daughter. Their summer together held great promise.
    She worked the moist ground, tugging out weeds as she went. A broad-brimmed straw hat protected her sensitive eyes from the sun, and cotton gloves kept her hands pale and soft. Now and again she slipped off her gloves, indulging in the feel of the rich soil between her fingers. Jamie teased her about doing servants’ work, yet few things pleased her more than her plants and flowers. Robert tended the large kitchen garden and many of the rose beds. The ornamental garden was her responsibility, as was the physic garden, which produced a host of medicinal herbs to keep her household in good health.
    One rosy shrub was hers alone to care for: the Apothecary’s Rose planted by the dining room window in memory of her sister, Rose. The deep pink blossoms did not appear until midsummer, releasing their sweet fragrance.