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The corner of his mouth lifted, making him appear younger than his age.

“Your clan,” he corrected.

Gillian shivered. “I suppose, but I know there are many who likely do not want me here.”

“Nay, lass. There is no doubt of it. You are my brother’s wife, the lady of Highgate End, and a member of Clan Scott. If anyone dares cast doubt on the fact, they’ll have me . . . and Graeme . . . to face because of it.”

Though they weren’t close to the fire, Gillian’s whole body felt warm. First Fiona had declared herself an ally, now Aidan. This was a much better reception than she’d expected.

Save Agnes.

“You sound very much like your brother,” she said.

Aidan crossed his legs in front of him. “I suppose that’s to be expected.”

Aidan’s gaze turned toward the door, and the expression on his face told her Graeme had already returned. When she turned to look behind her, sure enough, her husband made his way toward them. And he did not appear particularly happy.

13

“Gillian. Aidan.” Graeme inclined his head to both of them, unable to stop staring at his wife. She sat perched on the edge of her seat, her back ramrod straight. It was as if she belonged there already, the lady of Highgate in truth.

If it weren’t for that damned fool woman.

He should not have believed her when she’d claimed to only want a word. No sooner had they found a somewhat secluded spot than she’d tried to seduce him. It mattered not that he was now married, or that he’d ended their affair, to their mutual satisfaction, well before he’d left for England.

Aidan had warned him not to get involved with Agnes, but he hadn’t heeded his advice. At the time, he’d believed it wouldn’t matter. That he’d never marry. After all, he’d tried twice, first with Catrina Kerr and then with Emma.

“The men are waiting,” he told his brother, who rightfully looked confused.

“Already? But we’ve not even broken our fast.”

“Already,” he answered. “My apologies, Gillian. It’s been many days since I’ve trained with the men, so I asked them to assemble earlier than usual.”

Aidan, in charge of their training, did not appear amused. “Why?”

Graeme couldn’t very well tell the truth. That a sleepless night lying next to this beautiful woman had already tormented him into a foul mood. One that a bitter departure with Agnes had not helped. In the end, he’d simply walked away from her while she was in midspeech. He would not continue to dishonor his wife by speaking to her, and the groomsmen could very likely hear their conversation. The last thing he desired was to be the subject of gossip in his own home.

Aidan and Gillian both stood from their seats at the hearth.

When she reached down to smooth out the front of her deep green gown, a color that complemented her dark hair nicely, he could not take his gaze from her.

Aidan coughed, gaining his attention. “Lead the way, brother.”

Gillian frowned.

“Apologies, my lady, for not breaking my fast with you. If it pleases you, I’d very much like to introduce you to some of the staff this afternoon.”

She looked as if she wanted to say something, but if so, she thought better of it. Her only response was to raise the corners of her mouth ever so slightly.

Just then, Fiona appeared from nowhere and led his wife away.

“I will take care of her,” she said, shooing him dismissively. “Go.”

Sometimes he wondered who gave the orders at Highgate. He or his grandmother’s maid? But he couldn’t lament the fact that Fiona treated him more as an equal than as her master. His mother was gone. And now his grandmother too. Fiona was the only reminder of a time when he had been surrounded by women who loved him. Who cared for him. And while he certainly needed neither, it felt good to know she was still with them, taking care of both him and Aidan.

With a bow, he strode from the hall and into the courtyard, prepared to continue on the path that would lead to the lists.

Aidan reached out to stop him. “Graeme.”