Page 84 of A Rogue in Firelight

“Not yet.” He had never thought if it that way.Not yet.

“I like your Miss Graham. I see how you look at her. How she looks at you.”

“She is a bright lass. Kind,” he murmured. “She has been a friend. I am grateful.”

“If you feel more than gratitude, give it a chance, Ronan. Give it time.”

He shook his head. “I hold no hope of that.”

“Life can surprise us.” She drew a breath. “Ronan, you should know—I am thinking of marrying again.”

He had heard the rumor from his friends and did not relish hearing the name. “Is it so?”

“I will tell you more when I decide for sure. He asked, and left me to consider it until he returns for my answer.” She blushed.

“What will you say?” he asked quietly.

“I am thinking I will accept if he sincerely means it.”

“A man does not ask unless he means it.” Or sees some advantage for himself, he thought bitterly, knowing Pitlinnie’s untrustworthy character.

“Here is Donal.” She turned away. “The lamb will stay here for a while,” she told her son as he approached them.

“Good. Sir, we should go back before it gets much later. We may not want to be traveling in these hills at such a time.”

Ronan nodded, began to speak—and saw Ellison and Sorcha crossing the hall.

“How is the lamb?” Ellison asked, and Mairi quickly filled them in on her condition. “Thank you for taking care of her.”

“I hear you deserve thanks for finding her. You saved her life,” Mairi said.

“I am not sure, but I know that wee cry in the hills caught at my heartstrings.”

“One should always follow their heart.” Mairi looked at Ronan, her warm brown eyes telling him to listen. He nodded, wishing he could let his heart lead.

“We are leaving soon,” he told Ellison.

“Thank you for your kindness, Mairi,” Ellison said. “Oh! I just remembered—I left my things by the burn. When we found the lamb, I forgot. Can we fetch them?”

“Perhaps Donal and Miss Beaton could go on to Strathniven, since you should get that fresh fish to Mrs. Barrow,” Mairi suggested. “Glenbrae could borrow our gig and take you to fetch your things.” She sent Ronan a twinkling, mischievous look.

“If you like, Miss Graham,” he said casually, though his heart quickened.

*

Calling to thehorse, Ronan drew up the reins as the two-seated gig slowed on the earthen drover’s track. “You were sitting just down there, under those trees,” he said, pointing toward the cluster of birches overlooking the burn where they had fished earlier. Climbing down, he came around to reach up for Ellison.

“Thank you.” She slipped her hand into his to step down, and he held her fingers a moment too long as he cast a wary eye toward the hills once more. Only a few goats along the upper ridge, he saw with relief. Yet he remained concerned and watchful.

As he walked with her toward the little grove of trees, he felt protective, alert, tension within like a taut wire. While they had traveled from Invermorie to this spot, the light had faded blue to cloudy gray to lavender, and would deepen later. The night would be clear and moonless, perfect for men to venture across the hills with ponies and loaded carts. Though free traders strived not to be seen, the consequences could be dire if they were. He knew that better than most.

“You were kind to come this way to get my things. It will be dark soon.”

“I do not mind. We can still have supper if we hurry. This is summer darkness, with enough light to travel quickly.”

“You have been watching the hills again. Do you expect to see something there?”

“Better wary than surprised, lass.”