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“And I love you, lass. But as to the other—will you be my wife?”

Lifting herself up to him, Clarissa closed her eyes and touched her lips to his. He resisted turning the innocent kiss into something more.

“Nothing would give me greater pleasure.”

* * *

As they rode through the gates of Highgate Castle, Clarissa thought of their last moments together at the fort. She listened as Aidan told her the history of how this wall had been erected, and then abandoned, by the Romans. The ditch, he said, had once been a bath house. And though the tale was fascinating, Clarissa could think only of one thing.

She had not lied to him.

Nothing would give her greater pleasure than becoming Aidan’s wife . . . but she could not do it. To accept such an offer knowing she would be responsible for the strife that would ensue . . .

He’d never listen to her. She could see the stubborn determination in his eyes. Oh, how she loved him, but his unwavering loyalty to her could lead to a lifetime of battles between Clan Scott and the Earl of Theffield.

“Nay, lass. Not the tower.”

They’d dismounted and Clarissa had assumed—

“You will not be locked away any longer. But ’tis your choice if you would like to stay there or in the main keep.”

“Do you think that’s wise? People will talk—”

“And we will tell them. We are to be married, Clarissa. I will not have you—”

This time, it was her turn to display a bit of stubbornness.

“Nay,” she said, shaking her head and walking toward the Prison Tower. “Until Caxton is removed—”

“Which will happen any day. In the meantime—”

“In the meantime, listen to the lady.”

Graeme had approached them from behind.

“It took you long enough, brother.”

She’d been too wrapped up in Aidan to notice Graeme’s approach. The realization brought on another one—their position was too exposed. Though it appeared to be mealtime, the courtyard emptier than normal, anyone could see them. Clarissa had, out of habit, donned her cape and lifted the hood over her head, but would that truly prevent her from being exposed?

“Might we have this discussion in a more private place?” she asked.

Both men looked at her then, as if surprised she was the one who’d made such an argument, but they relented. As they followed her closer to the west wall, a lone guard on the parapets above their heads, Clarissa took charge.

“I will remain in there—” she gestured toward the tower, “—until Caxton is removed.”

Graeme’s eyes widened. “So it is done?”

Aidan scowled at her and then explained to his brother everything that had happened. Graeme had surmised some of the story already. Her father’s men had appeared at Highgate End a few days prior, demanding to search both the castle and the grounds. Graeme had easily acquiesced, much to the ire of his officers, who would have denied them.

“They were none too happy with the outcome,” Graeme said with a smile.

“English bastards,” Aidan said, and then to her, “Sorry, love.”

The endearment, so easily given, stung. If she left, it would hurt Aidan. Again. He would be devastated, though no less so than she.

“I best be more careful as we’ll be having another Englishwoman reside permanently at Highgate End.”

Graeme looked back and forth between them, and then smiling, he clasped Aidan’s hand and pulled him toward him. She watched the brothers embrace, suddenly torn.