“I’m so glad I caught you. Murien and I were just sitting here talking about how pleasant it would be if you visited.”

“I am on my way out, so I can only stay a few moments.” And that was all. He followed her into the room, bowing to Murien when he entered.

Murien was standing beside the pianoforte, holding some sheet music, looking as beautiful and radiant as she had the day before. Devon knew what the music sheets portended; she wished to play for him as evidence of her correct upbringing. All women were raised the same, and it was a damned shame.

“There you are,” Murien said in warm voice, smiling at him.

“Here I am.”

“You’re dressed for riding.”

“Indeed.”

She laughed softly. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to state the obvious. Where are you riding today?”

“The woods.” He wondered if Kat’s laugh was as seductive as Murien’s; he’d seen her smile, but had never heard her laugh. He resolved to fix that situation today.

“How lovely!” Murien said. “I daresay it will be nice and cool in the forest.” And with that, she took her place at the pianoforte, leaving her sister to entertain him.

Devon had to give Murien credit, she knew what she was about. She didn’t press him for his attention, but merely indicated that she was there and was a pleasant and beautiful companion. Which was why he had no intentions of spending more than a minute’s worth of time with her, not while the talisman ring was still in his possession.

Devon wasted no more time making his escape. If he waited until Murien began to play, he’d be stuck there for the next hour. As quickly as he could, he made his excuses and left.

As he walked out of the castle, his step grew lighter, his mouth began to widen in a real smile. Just to be certain that he did not develop an unnecessary passion for Murien, he’d spend the rest of the day trying to wheedle kisses from Scotland’s most ineligible woman.

It was a perfect plan. His grin widened, and it was with a lift to his spirits that he finally rode out of Kilkairn and into the woods surrounding it.

Simon leaned in the window. “Miss Kat?”

Kat looked up from where she sat at a desk in the front room of the cottage, poring over the account books. “Aye?”

“Do ye wish to see the new shipment of glass?”

“Of course! I’ll be there shortly.”

Simon nodded and pulled his head out of the window.