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“It seems there has been another attack—”

“Aidan.”

His connection to Allie had been this way from the start. They were able to read each other’s signals as if they’d been raised brother and sister in truth. He could try to pretend all was well, but she would learn of Clarissa from Gillian anyway. Strangely relieved to talk to someone about this nagging feeling that he’d abandoned Clarissa, he told her everything.

From their first meeting at Theffield Castle to their unexpected reunion. He told her that he felt poorly for leaving Clarissa in front of Sutworth Manor, alone and with an uncertain future, but even more poorly for putting his clan in danger. When he was finished, Aidan did not know what to expect. Which was typical when dealing with Allie.

“Why are you here?” she blurted finally.

“Pardon?”

“Here. At Highgate. Why are you here and not there?”

She was surely jesting. “Did you not hear me? She is Theffield’s daughter. And in hiding from her own father. When he finds out—”

Allie’s eyes narrowed. “He will do what, precisely? Come to Sutworth to fetch her? If she’s lucky, the lady will already be gone, her life given to God. If not, what do you suppose he will do?”

He refused to answer that particular question.

“Allie, if I were to aid her further and Theffield learned of my interference—”

“Then ensure he does not.”

Late last eve, after everyone else was abed, he’d thought of just that. Aidan knew how to breach the castle walls. But if he were discovered . . .

“If I’m found sneaking into Sutworth, my guilt will be undeniable. And even if the men are not loyal to him—”

“Then do not sneak. Simply pay her a visit.”

Allie was even madder than he’d thought. “Why did I not think of that? Simply ride to Sutworth, announce myself, and walk straightway into the hall asking for Lady Clarissa. ’Tis a fine plan—”

“For someone who was quite clever in helping me find a way to be with Reid, you’re acting oafish. Of course you will not ask for her. Simply a friendly visit from a neighbor—”

“Who has not been to Sutworth in some years.”

“But do they not warrant a warning too? The same warning about the current troubles that Reid and I came here to deliver?”

She’d managed to surprise him. He’d almost forgotten they had another purpose in being here. “What warning?”

Allie swallowed. “The Waryns are worried. Apparently the unrest has spread to the east. Even the most moderate English border lords are beginning to call to arms.”

It was what they feared would happen if the Day of Truce fell apart permanently. With the English king’s health deteriorating, and his heir overseas on Crusade, the borders apparently did not warrant the attention of those in power.

“Another reason not to incite trouble with the only man who may help us avoid war.”

“And that is the only reason you won’t go to Sutworth?”

Nay, not the only reason at all. But Aidan was finished with this conversation.

“You and Gillian are safe, for the moment. Our clan is safe. Nothing else—”

“Matters, I know. You’ve done everything possible to ensure it is so.”

Aidan straightened, knowing that was not true. Escorting Clarissa had put them in jeopardy.

“You do not understand—”

“Oh, aye, I understand well,” Allie said. “It is you who does not understand. But you will.”