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Hence his decision to seek Lawrence’s help. Aidan knew he’d not pass up a chance to rattle their southern neighbors.

“What do you plan, de Sowlis?” he’d said. “To demand to see the lady abed? All of Sutworth is likely sleeping. Much like I was before you arrived.”

Aidan had ignored his friend’s mocking tone.

Of course, Lawrence had come anyway, thank God.

“My lords,” the guard said as they arrived at the keep. Aidan had lifted his fist to knock when one of the large wooden doors swung open.

Expecting the steward, Aidan’s eyes widened at the sight that greeted them.

Sucking in a breath, he took in the blue gown lined with a paler blue around the collar and sleeves, a vision of indescribable loveliness. But why was she here at the entrance of the manor, greeting him as if it were midday?

“I saw you approaching.”

She did not explain further but instead stepped aside to allow them entrance.

“My lady,” Lawrence said beside him, reminding Aidan of his friend’s presence.

“Well met, even at such an hour,” she greeted him back. And finally, though it had taken him a moment, Aidan found his voice.

“I must speak to you about an urgent matter.”

Though the lone servant and guard had moved off, they were still listening. And likely prepared to wake their friends with the tale of two men appearing at such an hour, unannounced, asking to speak with their lady.

“What is so urgent to warrant such a late visit?” she asked, genuinely curious.

Her open expression confirmed his suspicions. Even though Sutworth Manor was as close to the border as Highgate End, its lack of leadership left it isolated. She did not yet know.

“It is,” he said, glancing at Lawrence, who stepped forward.

“If I may be so bold,” his friend said. “A room for the remainder evening would be—”

“Of course!” Clarissa waved a servant forward. “I apologize for not having offered one to you.”

He and Lawrence had discussed the possibility of offering to escort her to Dunburg Abbey that very evening, but they’d agreed it may be better to leave at dawn. If the lady agreed. But knowing Clarissa’s mind, Aidan expected an argument. She’d likely wish to leave right away, but Aidan did not wish to risk her safety. There’d been word of reivers roaming the area, and they preferred to travel at night.

“Many thanks.” Lawrence, ever the gentleman, bowed as he was led away.

“Is there somewhere private—”

Her eyes widened in surprise, but instead of refusing him, she said, “Follow me.” Dismissing the lingering servant who had been prepared to show Aidan a room, Clarissa led him away from the entrance.

It was highly inappropriate and more than a bit unusual. But when he gave Clarissa the news, she would care less for propriety than for safety. Even if the servants talked about his visit—and they would—it would not matter.

Clarissa would no longer be their lady tomorrow.

As he followed her up a set of dark, winding stairs, their only guide a wall torch Clarissa had taken up near the first step, the ominous sound of their own footfalls echoed around them. Watching her voluminous gown drag over each step, he wondered why she was fully dressed at such an hour. And what she would say when he told her. And how he could bear to give her up.

They reached a long corridor, and Clarissa pushed open the first door on their left. Entering the large room behind her, his gaze fell to an interior door that was still ajar . . . the master chamber.

Clarissa’s bedchamber.

Hardening at the thought of her lying in bed, her blue gown discarded in favor of a thin shift, or better—

He stopped himself, though watching Clarissa bend down to adjust the wood in the fire in the brazier did nothing to temper his thoughts. Finding a cushioned chair in the otherwise sparsely decorated room, Aidan sat and waited for her to do the same.

Sufficiently separated from her, though not from his desire to touch her, Aidan leaned forward to explain his unconventional visit.