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“There was an attack on Kerr land the day before I arrived. No one was injured, but the number of sheep stolen, and the quick retreat of the reivers, has Toren rather upset.”

“English?” She almost didn’t want the answer.

“Aye,” he said.

“Graeme mentioned going to Dunmure when you returned,” she said. “To find a new healer.” Gillian did not want to explain all that had happened since his departure. At least she could tell him one happy piece of news. “My sister is here!”

“Is she now? Another sister? ’Tis my lucky day.” Aidan’s expression sobered.

“Something has happened?”

“Her betrothed is dead,” she said. When she saw the look on his face, Gillian said quickly, “She can tell you what happened.”

Aidan’s eyebrows drew together. “It seems I missed much. I saw Graeme on my way inside, but he dodged my questions about you.”

She frowned.

“Gillian?”

Though she adored Aidan, Gillian did not want to talk with him about it. Especially here, out in the open, where anyone could hear.

“We will speak later.” She turned to leave, wanting a bit of privacy. Aidan stopped her with a gentle hand on the shoulder.

“Gillian,” he said, looking around them. “Don’t give up on him.”

She turned back around. “I will not. But he does not make it easy, Aidan.”

When she met his gaze, Aidan’s eyes widened. “You love him.”

She nodded. How could his brother so clearly see what he could not?

“He’s been through quite a lot, sister.”

She smiled at the endearment.

“Is that all that’s bothering you?”

Her brother-in-law was quite astute.

“’Tis my parents. And Lyndwood. I worry what will happen now.”

“You don’t have to share more now.” Aidan must have sensed her unease. “But know you have a family here now too. And Gillian . . . please be patient with Graeme. I promise you will not regret it.”

Gillian wrapped her arms around him “Thank you, Aidan.”

She would not wait for that night. No, Gillian would find Graeme right now. She changed course and made her way to the stables.

A question occurred to her, so she called out to her brother-in-law, “How do you come to be so wise in the ways of love?”

Aidan smirked. “Practice, my dear sister. Lots and lots of practice.”

Gillian laughed and walked toward the stables, greeting the groom and looking in every stall for Graeme. She had seen him walk this way.

“If you’re looking for your husband, my lady, he is gone.”

“Gone?” She looked toward the large double doors. “Where?”

“Dunmure, my lady. He said he would be back in two days’ time.”