Stewarts, my mother’s clan. They are allies, also. North of the Stewarts lies the MacNairn clan. They are the ones who stole Nessa and Isla. We are sworn enemies.
“To the south are the Grahams. We have never had any problems, but do not have an alliance. Father may try to form one with Nessa’s marriage in the future. They are friendly enough, and we trade with them a few times a year. We are known for our blend of whisky, which they have a taste for. ’Tis always in demand.”
Scrutinizing the area, Anna got a sense of the boundaries he described. “So we were met by the Grahams on the second day of our trip and by the MacFarlanes the third day.”
“Aye, ye are a bright one. Nessa tells me ye speak, read and write several languages, and ye have been taught a great number of things.”
Clearly he wanted to know more. Instead she offered, “Your sister is wonderful. I have greatly enjoyed my time with her.”
“Aye, she is a good lass—my father’s joy. Ye have made her very happy by staying. She hopes to keep ye.”
His words brought a smile to her lips before she thought to stop it. She hated the conflict churning within. Duncan’s consideration today only worsened her confusion. Seeing him as her enemy made things so much easier.
Walking the horses back to the stables, she unsaddled Orion. She grabbed a brush off the wall and set to the task of brushing him. Grooming a horse was always one of her favorite ways to think. The simple, mindless chore freed her to consider solutions to problems or ponder decisions. Today, she found no such respite, acutely aware of the man a few feet from her.
She’d known him less than a month. The early part of that time, he was her enemy. She’d need longer than a few days to think otherwise. They groomed their horses in silence. He finished first and leaned against a stall door. A strange discomfort crept over her, and she slid a glance in his direction. His tilted smile as he watched her work softened his rugged face. She ignored him, attending instead to her horse.
After she finished, Duncan took the reins and led Orion to a large stall. She didn’t want to appear rude, but found it difficult to express gratitude. The words seemed to stick in her throat.
“Thank you for the ride today. It was enjoyable. Thank you, also, for taking care of my horse whilst I was unable.” She forced a pleasant look on her face, feeling it stretch the limits of plausibility.
He bowed to her. “Of course, milady. ’Twas the least I could do.”
There. Though she would not give in to feeling guilty for losing her temper, she could at least be grateful.
With a sigh of relief, Duncan rocked back on his heels and watched Anna climb the stairs. The morning proved to be a success. Kenneth would be pleased to hear it. Maybe a few more outings and she would trust enough to consider staying. Getting Anna to vent a portion of the anger she’d held since her arrival seemed to have brought her some relief. At first, he feared he might have to defend himself. He owed it to her to take anything she threw at him. Words anyway.
She appeared genuinely happy to be outside, and seeing her horse well cared for clearly touched her. Watching her smile when they were reunited filled him to overflowing. Knowing he could be the author of her joy brought a feeling he was hesitant to explore. He only knew he wanted to be the one who made her smile.
Duncan had wondered if not seeing her these past few days would cause his feelings to wane. To his surprise, his attraction toward her had only intensified. The simple ride this afternoon increased his need to be near her. He’d forcibly stopped himself several times from drawing closer during their ride, seeming to have little power over his actions.
Like a stallion with the scent of a mare in season, he found himself inexplicably drawn to her. ’Twas folly to consider she would allow him closer yet. No, he would keep his distance, continuing to invite her to venture out. Doing so would show the clan his intent toward her, as well as give her opportunities to continue to discharge her wrath in a more controlled fashion. This, along with the steady efforts of the women, would surely erode the