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“Welcome to Clan Scott,” Graeme said to her then. “Gillian will be so happy to hear the news.”

“How does she fare?” Clarissa asked.

“My lady is well. The sickness seems to have passed.”

“I am overjoyed to hear it.” She wouldn’t wish the feelings Gillian had described to her on anyone. Well, maybe her father. And Stanley.

She was uncharitable to think such a thing.

“You must be tired, Lady Clarissa.”

“Clarissa, please.”

Graeme bowed, an odd gesture for the chief. “And you will call me Graeme.”

Very few used the clan chief’s given name, and she was honored he’d given her leave to do so. It was almost as if . . . as if he were truly happy to welcome her to his family.

But how could that be?

Aidan took her hand and squeezed it before releasing it. “Come to the hall—”

“Nay, Aidan. I cannot. Not yet.”

Maybe never.

Aidan looked to his brother for support, but when Graeme merely shrugged, he finally admitted defeat. “I will bring you a tray—”

“Nay, you will enjoy a meal with your family and have one sent to me,” she countered. “I could use a rest after our quite interesting journey back.”

She felt the heat begin in her neck and rise to her face. She hadn’t meant to say . . .

“Interesting, “ Graeme said good-naturedly. “Not a word I’d normally use—”

“Graeme,” Aidan interjected who grinned at her unintended gaffe.

“I meant to say—”

“No need,” Graeme interrupted. “I already understood what you meant.” Still grinning, he said to Aidan, “We have much to discuss, brother. Perhaps you could take your lady for a late-night bath in the river another night.”

Clarissa felt her jaw drop open. She wanted to accuse Aidan of sharing their secret, but he appeared as surprised as she felt.

His older brother winked at her, reminding her of Lawrence. “Nothing happens at Highgate End that I do not know about,” he said to them both.

And then Graeme looked at her, his smile slipping, and she realized the truth of his words. He knew. Somehow, Aidan’s brother knew, or guessed, what she planned.

Graeme knew she was planning to leave.

Chapter 21

Eventually, she fell asleep, thinking of Aidan, Graeme and Gillian in the hall, eating and drinking and sharing stories. Planning for the possible war that she had helped bring about. Only to be awoken by light streaming into her chamber from four arrow slits. Even though it was still early, the bright rays illuminated the otherwise dark chamber, promising a new beginning.

She could allow herself to dream, could she not?

Aye, and why not. She envisioned what it would be like if she answered Aidan “aye.” She saw herself sitting beside him, laughing at another of his jests and sharing a meal with him. She imagined another scene, one of her standing beside Gillian as she birthed her first babe, a niece or nephew. And then another, this one very different from the other two. She and Aidan were in a bedchamber much like this one, only bigger. He stood next to her, his hand under her gown. She closed her eyes, remembering keenly each and every stroke. His lips, both soft and hard at the same time, moving against hers as he lifted her higher and higher yet, to a place she never would have found without him.

“A small taste of what awaits my wife in the days ahead.”

She let her mind flit to another vision. This time they were by the river. Their bodies touched as he explored her most intimate spot, and she, bold enough to do the same, learned to please him as well.