"We have our share of thetwo-legged variety. My illustrious ancestor, Alexander MacClaren, was one ofthat ilk. The rascal could have given Ruel lessons." Ian glanced at hersoberly. "And I believe you're wrong. I'm sure Ruel does wish to protectyou. Even if he doesn't realize it himself."
"I've never met anyonewho appears to know more what he's doing than your brother," she saiddryly.
"He's had a hard life. Itgets in his way sometimes, and he can't always see himself clearly."
"But you do see him forwhat he is?"
"Oh, yes, I've alwaysknown."
"And what is he?"
"A giant," he saidsimply.
"What?"
"He's one of the heroesof the world. I've always believed the world is gifted with a small number ofheroes in every generation. Men who are capable of tremendous acts ofself-sacrifice. Men who have the strength and boldness to take life by thehorns and conquer it. Ruel is a hero. But he refuses to accept his fate."
She chuckled. "And areyou also a hero?"
"Oh, no, I'm very boring.I just plod along, doing my duty and trying to live a good life."
"I don't believe that'sboring," she said gently.
"You're very kind."He grimaced. "But I'm a dull fellow. It's a wonder Margaret even looked atme."
"Margaret?"
"Margaret MacDonald.We're affianced."
"Then she's veryfortunate."
"I'm the one who isfortunate." His smile made his homely face almost handsome. "As you'dknow if you met her. She's a remarkable lass. I told Ruel you reminded me alittle of my Margaret."
"Me?" She looked athim in astonishment before shaking her head. "No, I couldn't be likeher."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm not… "She waved a hand at the station house. "Because you're a lord and she'sprobably like them."
"In what way?"
"I don't know." Shethought about it. "Gowns with bustles and lace at her throat... softhands. She wouldn't like me. I'm different."
He burst out laughing."That's not Margaret. And God made us all different. You mustn't beashamed of what you are."
"I'm not ashamed."She could see he didn't understand. "I'm proud of what I am. None of thosewomen could do what I do and not many men either. It's just wiser not to forcemyself in where I'm not wanted."
"Because you meet crueltyand intolerance when you do?" he asked quietly.
She nodded jerkily. "Andyour Margaret would be the same."
"You're wrong. Ask Ruel.Ruel was always considered an outcast, and she never treated him with anythingbut fairness."
"Why was Ruel—" No,she didn't want to know any more about Ruel than she did already. She had spentan uneasy night after he had left her yesterday evening, and he was occupyingfar too much of her thoughts. She smiled with an effort. "Then I must bewrong and your Margaret everything you say she is." They had arrived atthe supply yard and she pulled out her key ring. "Thank you foraccompanying me. I won't keep you any longer. I know you want to get back tothe other guests."
"It was my pleasure. Ifind your 'difference' far more interesting than their 'sameness.' "
Warmth surged through her asshe realized there was no mockery in his tone. He was not like Ruel, whoseevery word must be examined and weighed for hidden meaning. "You haveunusual tastes." She unlocked the gate. "I'm sure you—"
