"We could go back toAmerica," Li Sung suggested. "Perhaps they would be more open thanthese British."
"That's too far away. Ineed to be in Scotland or, at least, England, in case Ian needs me."
He shook his head. "Ihave never understood this guilt you feel for lan's injury."
She had been tempted duringthe last three years to tell him the reason, but now she was glad she had not.She did not need to cope with a bristling, defensive Li Sung as well as Ruel.
"Why?" Li Sungasked. "The accident was no one's fault."
How she wished that were true,that she was as free of guilt as Li Sung thought. God in heaven, she was wearyof shouldering the knowledge that Ian would be strong and well if she had notblinded herself to what Patrick might do. But she had no choice but to shoulderit when every time she saw Ian her guilt was there before her in all itsheartwrenching tragedy.
"I like Ian. Naturally, Iwish to do all I can for him." She abruptly turned away and snatched upher tartan shawl from the chair and moved toward the door. "I feel like awalk. Are you coming with me?"
He shook his head as he limpedtoward his horse. "My leg has taken enough punishment for one day, and youseem more in the mood for running away than walking. I'm going back to thecastle and will see you tomorrow morning." He glanced over his shoulder."Unless you have further need of me."
She forced a smile. "Theday's work is done and the workers have gone home. Why should I have need ofyou? The letter? I was expecting it."
"And were you expectingthe news from the castle that made you look as pale and shaking as you do whenyou have the fever?"
"I don't look—" Shestopped as she met his gaze. "Ruel MacClaren will be arriving atGlenclaren tomorrow."
"I see." He smiledfaintly. "No wonder you are disturbed."
"I'm not disturbed.Uneasy, perhaps."
"Why?"
She shrugged. "He...unsettles me. He unsettles everybody."
"He has done a great dealfor Glenclaren." As she started to protest, he went on. "We may havedone the work, but it was his money that made it possible. You can't deny that,Jane."
"I don't deny it."She was silent a moment and then burst out, "I just wish—why couldn't hehave stayed away? He doesn't belong here."
"Neither do we," LiSung said softly. "You know it as well as I, or you would not have soughtwork away from here. I've seen your restlessness growing for the last year. Howlong must we stay here?"
"As long as Ian needsus."
Li Sung shook his head."You and I have given him the Glenclaren he wants, and Margaret provideshim with all else."
She watched him awkwardlymount his horse and turn it toward the castle. "Li Sung!"
He glanced back at her.
"Are you truly unhappyhere?"
He shook his head. "Oneplace is as good as another to me. Perhaps I, too, am a little restless nowthat there are no longer any challenges to overcome." He kicked his horseinto a trot.
She hugged the green and blacktartan shawl closer as she started up the hill. The sun was almost down and theautumn wind cold as it touched her cheeks. She moved quickly, almost running upthe rough dirt path. She should really go back to the cottage and fix herevening meal and go to bed but found the prospect unappealing. Though she hadbeen up at dawn and spent the entire day supervising the work at the mill untilMargaret's summons had taken her to the castle, she was not tired. Of late shehad noticed any weariness she experienced came from sheer monotony. The eventsof yesterday and today and tomorrow all blended into stultifying sameness.
No, not tomorrow. TomorrowRuel would come.
She would not think of Ruel.She would think of the work still to be done at Glenclaren and Li Sung's words.In spite of his denial, she sensed the same discontent in him she had beenfeeling of late. She had no right to chain Li Sung here because of her ownsense of obligation. Yet where could she and Li Sung go if they leftGlenclaren? Railroads were the only life they knew, and it had been madebitterly clear no one would hire a cripple and a woman. She would have toconsider the possibilities and—
"I see you've taken towearing the MacClaren tartan."
She froze with shock.
Ruel continued mockingly."It's too much a contrast with that red mane. It's not what I'd dress youin at all."
