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Trevor had been pleasantly surprised when Emma had shown up out of the blue. Her presence had been a most unexpected and welcome delight to his adventure in the Highlands, and if he was only going to be here for another week, then he wanted to ensure that he spent as much time with her as possible. He just had to prepare to be challenged to another fight if David came across their path again.

They left the inn, and Emma took him through the village and beyond, walking along a grassy plain toward the forest. The trees were lush, and their trunks were thick. Birds fluttered in the sky, and occasionally, he saw a flicker of movement in the undergrowth as some small animal scurried about, evidently having urgent business to attend to. The air was cool, for Scotland could rarely be said to enjoy warm weather, but the sun was pleasant and the company made the day even brighter.

“It’s nae far, just through these trees and up ahead,” Emma said.

“I hope you understand that I’m placing my entire trust in you. The Highlands look all the same to me, I’m afraid, and if I was left alone out here, I’m not sure I would ever make it back to England.”

“I’ll be sure nae tae leave ye alone, although ye need tae be sure tae nae say anything tae upset me,” Emma teased.

“I’m not sure what I could say to upset you, and I have no desire to do so. But I am curious about one thing. What do you think of this whole matter? After all, it does not just affect your parents. It will have far-reaching consequences to your life as well.”

He noticed that Emma’s smile faded a little, and he wondered what had occurred after he had left the farm. These matters were never easy to resolve, and if Douglas was indeed being difficult, then it might well have incited an argument.

“Tae be honest, I’m nae sure. I suppose overall I think it’s a good thing. My Ma will have land, which means that my family will hae a wee bit of wealth, and that can never be a bad thing. I’m nae sure what it means for me, though. I suppose it means that I would be a more attractive proposition for a husband who doesnae live in a village.”

“It undoubtedly would, and it would also allow you more freedom as well, especially when you actually inherit it if your mother decides to accept the inheritance. It would be yours to manage and run. You could have servants rushing about the house, traders coming into the courtyard, gardeners planting an array of bright and colorful flowers in the garden. That’s not to mention all the balls and events you would be invited to as a landowner.”

“Balls?” Emma asked, her eyes growing wide at the thought.

“Oh yes, life in England is far different to the life you live out here, at least from what I’ve seen. There are always events happening where people socialize and share their gossip. Those who own land are always welcome. There is a certain prestige for anyone who has wealth. Others are always seeking good favor and to improve their station, so I’m sure your company will be sought out. I daresay it would shake things up considerably as well, for the arrival of your family would be a surprise, and nobody would know what to expect from you.”

“I suppose that sounds quite amusing,” Emma said, although concern was etched upon her face.

“What’s wrong?” Trevor asked.

They stepped over a fallen log and watched beetles creep across moss that had grown there.

“It’s just that this is all sae new and sudden. What ye are talking about is a whole other life. I hae only know this one.”

“Have you ever even been to England?” he asked.

Emma shook her head. “I hae only seen it from the border. Da took me there once when I was younger. We went out riding, and he told me that beyond the border lay England, a land filled with danger and people who only wanted tae hurt me. I begged him tae take me beyond the border sae that I could see where I came from, but he never would. I was only ever able tae see it from afar.”

“So you’ve never learned about the land you came from?”

“I was born in the Highlands. I’m a Highland lass,” Emma said.

“Yes, but your mother is English. We all inherit things from our parents,” Trevor said, pushing back a dark memory as he said this. “It’s not fair that you should be denied the knowledge of your history. England isn’t exactly filled with enemies either. It’s not as though you would be stormed by arrows as soon as you crossed the border. Of course there are going to be those who bear ill will towards Highlanders, but that is the same over here. Most people only want to get on with their lives and not suffer through any trouble. What they want most of all is coin. As long as you can pay your way, there’s no trouble. Think of me. I’ve been in Scotland for a while now, and the only trouble I’ve faced is that matter last night.”

“I suppose,” Emma said.

“But I’m sure your parents had their reasons for this. So tell me, is there anything you’d like to know about England? I may as well help reveal the mystery while I’m here,” he said.

“Ye will?” Emma gasped. “I…I dinnae know where tae begin.”

Trevor smirked. His heart went out to her as he realized how much of her own life had been denied to her because of her parents. It seemed a shame because she was such a bright, curious girl. He had no idea how anyone could deny her anything. It struck him as odd that even Lyndsay would never have taken Emma back for a jaunt in England, just so Emma could at least plant her feet on English soil and know what it was to be home.

“Well, I suppose I could begin by telling you some general things. London, where I come from, is a sprawling city where more and more people move. There are parts of the city that have impossibly high buildings, spires that touch the heavens, especially the cathedrals. There are other parts that are dirty as well, where the unfortunate people live.”

“What makes them unfortunate?” Emma asked.

Trevor shrugged. “Sometimes it’s their own mistakes. Sometimes they’re born into misfortune and they’re unable to pull themselves out of it. Sometimes there are accidents and they’re shunned by society because they’re different. But it does not mar the beauty of the city. There are many estates throughout the country that are home to wonderful gardens and pleasant people. It is true that to the North, where the land borders Scotland, the people are harder and more ornery, but they are still good people. I would not wish to live anywhere else, and I’m proud to call myself English.”

“I wouldnae say that tae loudly around here,” Emma warned. She wore a smile, but Trevor could tell there was some deeper thought in her mind.

“Why not?” Trevor asked.