Kat could have told Simon that his sister was addicted to gossip. While Annie rarely passed on any information she gathered in her meticulous cullings, she enjoyed knowing more than anyone else.

Simon crossed his arms and leaned back on his heels. “I’ve got the lads down in the workshop, finishing off the last window for the Earl of Argyll. I tol’ the lads they’d best make it something to behold. If we do a good job, there’ll be more where that comes from.”

Kat nodded. “The earl has a new wife. She’ll be wanting to put her own mark on his household. She told me she wants to commission a window for every child they have.”

“Women,” Simon said, shaking his head. “They can think of more ways to spend blunt.”

Kat lifted her brows. “I’m a woman.”

“Aye, but ye ain’t all trussed up in the need to tell everyone what to do.” Simon glanced at the house for a moment, before adding in an undertone, “Take Annie. M’sister has a bad habit of bossin’ a man aboot until he’s ready to bundle his clothes and run for the hills.”

“Just see to it that you don’t run,” Kat said, leaning over to give him a quick hug. “Or if you do, at least promise to come back after you’ve enjoyed a pint or ten of freedom. I can’t do without you more than one day. Perhaps two, if things are slow.”

Simon’s smile blossomed. “I have to come back, lassie. Who else’ll make the windows bearing the coat of arms fer those fancy earls and dukes?”

“Who indeed?” She kissed his cheek and turned to the house. “Tell the lads I’ll be with them directly.

I just want to see what Annie bought in the village today.”

“I’ll tell them,” Simon promised. He retrieved his plank and hoisted it over his shoulder, then winked. “I’ll tell them ye’re in a rare mood, too. That should get them to hoppin’.”

“I don’t want them hopping, just working. We’ve more orders to fill than there are hours in the day.”

“Don’t ye fash, Miss Kat. We’ll come aboot. See if we don’t.” He gave her a reassuring nod, then left, walking toward the workshop, a long, low building set on the other side of the cottage, back against the line of trees.

She watched him go, a fond smile touching her mouth. Simon possessed a heavy sense of responsibility and a natural tendency to step in and do what most needed doing. These were just two of the many things she loved about him.