“Only three?”Erica’s eyes widened. “Our library has hundreds! Ye must see it. We could read together. Though Hector finds me selections ‘frivolous.’” She mimicked her brother’s deep voice with surprising accuracy.
“Poetry isnae frivolous,”Hector countered, breaking a piece of bread. “Yer particular preference for romantic verses, however…” He straightened suddenly. “But that is nae a discussion for this moment.” His tone brooked no argument as he reached for his goblet.
Erica pressed her lips together,well accustomed to that particular timbre, which signaled that a matter was closed.
They spoke of estate matters,village gossip, plans for the day—ordinary concerns that seemed extraordinary to Gabriella’s ears after a lifetime of living with a withdrawn and ailing father, followed by months serving as a tavern girl before being abducted.
She caughtherself staring at Erica, noting the girl’s unblemished hands, confident posture, and the way she laughed without restraint. Here was someone who had never known true fear, never gone hungry, never wondered if she’d live to see morning.
A pangof something like envy twisted in Gabriella’s chest before she pushed it away.
“Gabriella.”Hector’s voice drew her attention. “After the meal, prepare yerself for a ridin’ lesson.”
The conversationaround the table halted. Erica’s eyebrows shot up, and even Lady McCulloch looked startled.
“A ridin’lesson?” Gabriella repeated, confused by their reaction. Her spoon clattered to her bowl. “I’ve never ridden before. I wouldnae ken the first thing about?—”
“Then it’s time ye learn,”Hector said in a tone that brooked no argument. He drained his cup and set it down firmly. “I’ll meet ye at the stables in an hour.”
Lady McCulloch’steacup halted halfway to her lips. Erica’s mouth formed a perfect “O” of surprise before morphing into a knowing smile. Noah suddenly developed an intense interest in a spot of jam on his sleeve.
“I… aye, of course,”Gabriella agreed, bewildered.
Hector rose from his seat.“Until then.”
His eyes met hers briefly,something unreadable in their depths. Then, he was gone, striding out of the hall with purpose.
“Well,”Erica said into the silence that followed, a smile playing on her lips. “That’s interestin’.”
“Indeed,”Lady McCulloch murmured, studying Gabriella with fresh curiosity.
Gabriella glanced between them,certain she’d missed something significant. Why would a simple riding lesson cause such a reaction? Was it improper somehow?
“Why? Did I say somethin’wrong?” she whispered to Erica.
Erica leaned close.“Me braither hasnae personally taught anyone to ride since?—”
Lady McCulloch clearedher throat pointedly, and Erica straightened, but not before adding, “Well, let’s just say it’s unusual.”
“Come,”Erica said, rising from her seat once the others had departed. “I’ll show ye the way back to yer chamber.” Her eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement.
In the corridor,she looped her arm through Gabriella’s, ignoring how Gabriella stiffened at the unexpected contact.
“Me braither never gives ridin’lessons,” Erica whispered conspiratorially. “Nae even to me when I was learnin’. He always says that he doesnae have the patience for beginners.”
“Perhaps he feels responsible for me,”Gabriella suggested, uncomfortable at the implication.
Erica laughed,the sound bright in the stone hallway. “Hector feels responsible for everyone in the Highlands. That doesnaemean that he personally teaches them to ride.” She studied her with keen interest. “Ye must be special.”
“I’m an obligation, nothin’more,” Gabriella replied firmly.
“If ye say so.”Erica’s smile suggested she believed otherwise. “Since ye’re to keep me out of trouble for a month, we should get to ken each other. Come to the library tomorrow after yer lesson. I’ll show ye me favorite books—the ones Hector calls ‘frivolous.’”
She glancedover her shoulder to ensure they were alone, then added with a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes, “Me braither believes ye’re here to temper me wildness, but I’m beginnin’ to see that it may be for another reason. There’s much about Castle McCulloch—and its Laird—that ye’ve yet to discover. Perhaps I’m meant to be yer guide rather than yer charge.”
7
Hector stood in the castle’s courtyard, one hand resting on the neck of the dappled gray mare he’d personally selected from the stables.
