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Forget about Lady Alison. And, more to the point, forget about Lord Clave.

“You know how I feel about men like that,” Emma said, forcing a glib expression. “I’ve taken too many orders from my brothers to spend the rest of my life taking more.”

“Aye, but—”

“So he kissed me. And perhaps I wanted him to. But it matters not.”

“Good.”

“Lady Alison can have him.”

“Aye, and all his earlishness with it,” Clara said.

Emma pushed away thoughts about that, that perfect, knee-melting kiss, and hugged her friend again. “’Tis good to see you Clara. I feared my brother would never allow me to leave before spring.”

“And you, Emma. Now let’s go see what trouble we can muster.”

10

Two weeks and a day after she’d arrived at Dunmure, Clara and Emma sat in the same alcove as they had on the first day. Two weeks of sharing and laughter that Emma would cherish always.

“Everything is ready for him.”

Emma looked up, wishing Clara could come with her. “I’ll miss you desperately.”

“Can you imagine? The next time we meet, I’ll have a wee one for you to greet.”

“Oh, no you will not. I will return before she’s due to arrive.”

“Emma, ’tis not an easy journey. There’s no need—”

“That’s quite enough. I’ll decide whether there’s a need.”

The door creaked open. “He’s here.”

Emma looked at Alex, a man just as tall as Garrick but with shorter, lighter hair. Though he would no doubt make for a fearsome enemy, the Scots warrior had only smiles for his friends. He’d been nothing but kind to her on her extended visit. Emma had always liked Alex. Perhaps because she’d sensed from the start how much he cared for Clara, although the course of their relationship had been complicated by Clara’s disguise. She’d pretended to be a lad, a squire, for years to escape possible retribution for the role her father had played in the revolution against the king. Finally, Alex’s love and her friends’ encouragement had allowed her to live as herself, unafraid and proud.

From observing the two together, Emma knew Alex was as charmed by Clara’s quirks as she was. He plotted with their cook to make at least one of her favorites at every meal, not a difficult feat as she had many of them.

“I’m so happy for you,” she said to neither of them in particular.

By now, Alex knew of her “indiscretion,” and he had not hesitated to offer his opinion, which was—unsurprisingly—much the same as Clara’s. Luckily, she’d nearly gotten that kiss out of her mind. Instead of thinking about it every waking minute, she only did so when other thoughts didn’t occupy her.

Well, it was a start.

But she didn’t look forward to their return journey, especially since Edith had sent word that she’d be returning to Kenshire instead. The short rest at the inn had not been enough to hearten her for the journey. Emma was surprised her brother hadn’t made an appearance at Dunmure. He would not be pleased to think of her traveling alone with the earl.

But it hardly mattered. Garrick was now a betrothed man.

She stood with such force the bench would have likely toppled if it weren’t for Clara still sitting on it. “I’m ready,” she announced.

If she had to leave Dunmure, she would do it on her terms. Which she would inform the earl about as soon as possible. They would not be alone together during their journey for any reason. She would eat with his men, and not alone like a woman accused of witchcraft. After their return to Kenshire, there would never be any need for her to see him again.

“Emma, what are you planning?”

“Planning?” She pulled Clara up to join her. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Alex . . .”