“A spectacular bit. It’s a little like MacClaren’s and yet completely different.” He picked up the sketch in the seat next to her and handed it to her. “The Mist Child.” He was smiling. “Did she have something to say about the murals?”

“No, she was just good company.” She tucked the sketch back into the sketchbook. “Very quiet. How did your exploratory trip with Fraser go?”

“Fine. I probably know as much as he does now about the equipment and engines here at the Highlands yard.”

“I don’t doubt it. That’s good. Now, do you have any other questions? Because I’m starving. I didn’t realize it before, but I’m very empty. Can we do something about that?”

“That’s why I came to get you. I shared our rations with Fraser and he’s making supper.” He took her arm as she started back up the aisle. “Why was Mist Child good company? Did she remind you of our daughter?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“But you called her she.”

“Because I drew a little girl, which has nothing to do with the child I’m carrying.” She stared at him in exasperation. “And you know it.”

“But it would be a gift if I did. Do you believe it’s a girl?”

“Caleb.”

“It would be a gift. The minute we go out that door, there will be no more ancient magic Highlands and we’ll have to concentrate on death and vengeance and survival.” His tone was wheedling. “What does instinct tell you? What do you believe?”

He was almost boyishly appealing. So different from the Caleb she knew. In this tension-fraught moment, she desperately wanted to keep that Caleb. Oh, what the hell. “It’s a girl.”

He tilted his head. “That’s what you believe?”

She stared him directly in the eyes. “It’s a girl. But I’m not going to tell you her name. Now leave me alone.”

For an instant he looked a little uncertain. Then he started to laugh. “That’s impossible.” He kissed her, hard. “Thank you for my gift.” He opened the outside door. “And now I’ll give you food and wine as a reward.”

Chapter 16

Chapter
16

Supper that night was filled with laughter, and an excellent stew, though Jane had to refuse the even more excellent wine that Caleb had offered her. Life was already being dictated by that little girl who had appeared in their lives, she thought ruefully.