He chuckled. “Why don’t you tell me what you really think?”

“Well, you deserve it. You never listen to me.”

“Because I believe I’m right and you’re wrong. Someday I’ll convince you. And I’m not the only one who won’t listen. You’ve refused to hear anything about Fiona or her story since that day I tried to convince you that the two of you were related. You didn’t want to believe anything that would disturb the way you felt about your adopted parents.”

“Nothing could,” Jane said. “And I didn’t want to encourage you when I wasn’t interested.”

“But you’re not usually so stubborn about at least listening. You’re an artist and that’s very close to storytelling. Fiona had a very interesting story that should intrigue you.” He continued, “For instance, did you know that our family had no idea whatever about what happened to Fiona? She disappeared from the glen one summer day and was never heard from again. An accident? A dire murder? An enemy of our house who kidnapped her to punish the clan? All the men in the glen searched for weeks trying to find some sign of her. They found nothing.” He narrowed his gaze on her face. “And that did intrigue you. See? You should have listened to me before.”

“No, I shouldn’t. It’s a sad story and naturally I was interested. But it has nothing to do with me.”

“I’ve always thought it did. It just seemed too fortuitous for a woman with Fiona’s face to appear here at the Run centuries later. You can’t blame me for wanting to explore the possibilities.” His smile faded. “I guess this may not be the right time to begin.” He glanced once more at the portrait of Fiona. “But take a glance at the sketch of the child when you get back to your room. I think it does look a little like Fiona. It’s not just because I can’t stand not being right about you.”

“I wouldn’t put it past you. Though it doesn’t really matter, does it?”

“In a way it might.” He turned away with a shrug. “It reminded me how much I value all the art in this gallery, and with you running around the property, it might not be a bad idea to get a few more guards to protect that, too.” He strode out of the gallery as he tossed back over his shoulder, “You demonstrated to me this morning that Fergus has more than enough to do.”