Bliss had no idea what to say, given the fact that she didn’t know whether she was being complimented or criticized, so she simply dropped her eyes for a moment. Now that Jamie had told her about Cutter’s teaching him the finer aspects of thievery, she wasn’t sure how she felt toward the shepherd, but she did know that she was grateful to him. He and Dog had saved Jamie’s life the day before, and probably hers as well.

In the next moment, it became evident that Cutter was annoyed, though not with Bliss. “That hardheaded mick,” he muttered. “I tried to tell him he ain’t ready to do any traveling, but he just says to me, ‘Don’t tell me what to do on me own property, old man,’ he says.”

“His property?” Bliss echoed, surprised.

Cutter spread his big, hoary hands and arched one snow-white eyebrow in puzzlement. “He didn’t tell you?”

Bliss shook her head, more aware than ever of how very much she didn’t know about her husband.

“It’s all his, lass—the cottage, the land, the sheep. Me and Dog, here, we just work for Jamie.”

Bliss’s eyes widened. At the inn, she’d heard Jamie referred to as a man of property, but she hadn’t realized he had holdings beyond the place near Auckland. “He’s come by a great deal,” she mused, talking as much to herself as to Cutter. “For a man who was picking pockets a few years ago.”

Cutter grew red in the face in his desire to defend his friend. “Got it all honestlike, he did,” he declared angrily. “Jamie’s a smart lad and all he ever needed was a leg up.”

Before Bliss could respond to that, Jamie walked into the cottage, gave Cutter a quelling look, and said, “It’s time to leave, Duchess.”

Bliss rose from her chair and donned her coat, while Jamie took up her satchel. She went to Cutter and took both his hands in hers. “Thank you,” she said softly. “For everything.”

Cutter was clearly embarrassed. “ Twas no trouble, lass.” His gaze sliced to Jamie. “It’s nice to know some people is grateful when they gets a hand from a friend,” he added pointedly.

Jamie offered no reply.

“When you get to Auckland,” Cutter forged on, “give my regards to Miss Peony.”

First Eleanor, and now this Peony. Bliss’s curiosity was more than piqued, and she risked a glance at Jamie, who was glaring coldly at the man who had prevented his murder not twenty-four hours before.

“I’ll tell her you’re as windy as you ever were, old man.”

A charge of anger seemed to pass between the two men.

“The truth always comes out, Jamie boy,” Cutter returned, giving as good as he got. “I’d remember that if I were you.”

At this, Jamie turned without another word and opened the door. Cold air rushed into the cottage and made Bliss shiver. She had no choice but to follow Jamie outside; if she didn’t, she knew he would leave her behind.