did insist that hostesses who wished her to attend their functions must invite me, too. She gave me a chance.”
“What is Almack’s, my lady?” Cora asked, confused.
Anne shook her head. “It’s…nothing.” She gave the woman a hard look from toe to head. Her clothing was worn and too tight, but she was clean and presentable. “Don’t disappoint me, Cora. I do not want to regret making the decision to employ you.”
The girl fell back against the barn door as if her legs could no longer support her weight. “You’ll never be disappointed in me.” This time when tears came, she made no attempt to hold them back.
“No, I don’t think I will,” Anne said, praying she wasn’t making a heartbreaking mistake. “But I warn you, I expect you to work hard and learn well.”
“I will, my lady.” Cora even bobbed an awkward curtsey, as if to prove her words.
“You’ll live in the servants’ quarters.”
“I didn’t even dare to wish that much. A room of my own?”
“Yes, unless we hire more servants,” Anne said, but added sternly, “And I expect your conduct to be beyond reproach.”
“It will be, my lady.”
“If Norval or any other man—” She didn’t know how to finish, but that was all right, because Cora understood.
“No men. I’ve had enough of them to last a lifetime.”
“You’ll bring the girl, Marie, to live here, too?”
Cora drew in a sharp breath. “It is my fondest wish, but it may not be wise, my lady.”
“Why not?”
“Because people will talk.” She made a helpless gesture with her hand. “If I bring Marie to live under your roof, people will think she is the laird’s child. She has black curly hair and blue eyes. I had thought to board her with one of the shepherd’s families.”
Anne had never thought of Aidan having children. She took a thoughtful step before asking, “Is she his?”
“No! And I know it for a fact. Yes, the laird has a reputation with the ladies, but he is more—?”
“Circumspect?” Anne supplied hopefully.
“What does that mean?”
“Careful of the consequences.”
“Aye, he was always careful…and gentle.” Cora glanced away. “I shouldn’t have said the last, but not all men care how they treat you.”
Anne shook her head. “It is all right.” There was a beat of silence between them, and then Anne said with authority, “Go fetch your things while I finish these stalls. And you can bring Marie with you.”
“I’ll do the stalls,” Cora volunteered eagerly. “You shouldn’t be doing this. You’re not used to this sort of work.”
The offer was tempting. But her pride insisted she show Aidan she could do whatever task he set before her. Of course, that didn’t mean she didn’t want help. “We’ll do them together.”
“And have them done in no time,” Cora assured her. The two women set to work.
On the other side of the wall, Aidan had listened to the entire conversation.
Anne’s generosity at giving Cora a position humbled him. No other woman in the kirk would have done it. And there was something haunting about the words Anne had used when she’d admitted she’d known what it was like to be an outcast.
He did, too.
Had he not left London because he didn’t fit the mold? Society was no place for a romantic medievalist with a traitorous ancestry.
He listened as Anne and Cora set to work cleaning the stalls. While they mucked and raked, Anne outlined to Cora what she expected of her. Aidan was impressed. Anne did know how to run a household.
He didn’t worry about having Cora in his employ. The girl had been a momentary distraction and, if the truth be known, he’d crossed paths with too many former lovers to have a care about meeting one more again.
But he was concerned about what he would say to Anne. He eased out the side door and leaned against the limestone wall.
He shouldn’t have eavesdropped. It had opened her up to him and exposed her vulnerability. She would not be happy if she learned of it.
Hugh found him deep in thought.
“Are you afraid it will fall down?” he teased.
“What will fall down?” Aidan asked.
“The wall. You act as if you are holding it up.” Seeing Aidan wasn’t in the mood for joking, he stated his business. “The Reverend Oliphant is here from Thurso. He had the chance to come early and is ready to hold the funeral so he can take himself home again.”
Aidan nodded. “Is the grave dug?”
“Thomas and I finished it an hour ago,” he answered.
“Then let us gather in