The name crept into her thoughts and wrapped about her brain as if never to leave. She closed her eyes for a moment but refused to say anything more. She didn’t think she could. The moment lengthened, stirring restless feelings she’d thought she’d forgotten.

She shook herself mentally. It is just a feeling, and sometimes feelings are not real. Thank God she was immune to men who bandied soft words and warm hands. Men who declared their love on Monday, only to realize by Tuesday that they’d made a mistake. Yet here she was, with a man who promised nothing more, yearning for his kiss. She put her hands over St. John’s and pulled them off her waist, then moved out of reach. She crossed her arms over her, as if warding off a chill.

For some reason, that tiny moment caught at her, lodged in her chest like a weight. She searched desperately for a safe topic of conversation. “How was Malcolm? Did you see him this morning?”

St. John smiled as if he knew what she was doing, but he turned and gathered the horses and led them to the water. “He was fine. A little distracted, perhaps. But that’s all.”

She followed him to the edge of the stream. “I suppose he and Fiona have been fighting again.” Kat knelt by the bank and picked up a smooth rock.

Devon turned to look at her. “There is a lot of tension at the castle.”

“Aye. Whatever their argument is about, it is very desperate because neither will budge an inch.”

Devon’s brows lowered. “I’ve arrived in the midst of a domestic dispute.”

“That is Malcolm’s entire marriage.” Stormy, violent, and flush with passion. There were indeed times Kat yearned for peace. She hefted the rock in her palm. “I don’t think I believe in marriage anymore.”

“Nor I.” He caught her gaze and shrugged. “Not for me, anyhow. My brothers, however, seem to be rather fond of the arrangement. My sister, as well.”

“Only one sister? Poor woman.”

He grinned, his eyes crinkling in the most disarming manner. “Don’t pity her. Sara more than held her own. When I was eight, I hid a snail in her bed. I waited and waited for her to scream, but she didn’t do anything at all. Two nights later, I found an entire army of ants in mine. She’d poured sugar in the sheets, and it took me weeks to get rid of them.”

Kat chuckled. “Served you right.”

“Indeed it did, though at the grand age of eight, I felt sorely misused.”

“Poor man.” She dropped the rock and stood. “Would you like to ride into town?”

“What’s there?”

“Nothing really. But it’s a beautiful ride.”

He looked directly at her. “It’s beautiful here.”

“Yes, but—you’ll want to eat soon.”