Kat watched him go, a dashing figure on the black horse. A horse that tomorrow she would be riding. And oh, what a horse. She eyed it greedily, almost giving a little hop of excitement. Only the knowledge that Simon was most likely standing in the window, watching, made her hold it back. She wasn’t really excited about seeing Devon St. John, she told herself; all she wanted to do was ride that beautiful horse.

Still, she could not deny that it would be pleasant to have someone with whom to while away a little time now that the earl’s windows were done. There were more orders to fill; there always were. But none so urgent.

Malcolm had pulled up to speak to St. John, and she stood there a moment, watching them and feeling strangely bereft.

All she had for company were the lads and Annie and Malcolm, whenever Fiona could spare him from the castle. While they were all good people, Kat sometimes wished for more. Something was vaguely disquieting about the way things had settled in her daily existence. Kat thought that perhaps a conversation or two with Mr. Devon St. John might help her discover what that was.

Of course, she’d make good and certain those conversations were held in broad daylight. She’d also make certain St. John’s hands stayed closer to his person than to hers. Not that she was worried; she had experience in such matters, and St. John already had one bruise to prove it.

Malcolm and St. John said their good-byes, and Malcolm turned his horse toward Kat. He hopped down from the large bay and gave her a broad smile.

“What’s that all about?” she asked, instantly suspicious.

“What?” he said, blinking innocently, though his grin dimmed not one whit.

“That smile. I don’t trust it. You never smile like that.”

Malcolm did a little jig, pumping his arms in a ridiculous way. “There,” he said, coming to a stop, panting hard, though the smile still lit his eyes. “I never dance, either, but I am today.”

She had to laugh; she felt a little giddy herself. For a mad moment, she wondered if this was all from St. John’s presence. But then she realized how silly that was. “So, Malcolm, what has you in such a good mood? Did you and Fiona solve your differences?” Kat immediately wished she hadn’t mentioned Fiona, as some of the light left Malcolm’s face.

“Not yet.” A set look touched his mouth. “But hopefully soon.”

“I hope so, too.” And she did. She knew how much he cared for his wife. Though Fiona didn’t seem capable of seeing it, it was painfully obvious to everyone else.

“Did you get the windows off to the earl?”

“Aye. You just missed them.”

“Excellent.” Malcolm rubbed his hands together. “I have a favor to ask you, Kat. A big one.”

“What?”