“Aye, and he likes that you’re not tense.” Kennan let out a bit of rope. “Are you ready to try a trot?”

“Whilst I sing?”

“Why not?”

A great many clansmen stopped and watched with amusement on their faces. Divana didn’t seem to notice, her unbound hair flapping from beneath her bonnet as she naturally posted with the rhythm of the horse.

After Kennan buckled the bridle in place and spent the greater part of an hour teaching her how to control the reins, her heel, and the riding crop, all to the tune of “The Lusty Young Smith,” he gritted his teeth against the tearing pain in his shoulder as he hoisted himself astride his horse.

“Ye should have used a mounting block,” said Divana, pointing to the bloodstain spreading at his shoulder.

“Not on your life.”

Together they rode across the lea and along the River Arkaig trail. He liked Divana’s company—she calmed him like no other. Though the lass was open with her opinions, she didn’t nag. He liked her smile, the healthy glow of her skin, the way she looked at him and listened as if everything he said was remarkable and important.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“I thought we’d take our nooning up yonder in a clearing where my brothers and I used to cast stones and see who could throw the farthest.”

“Aside from their portraits, I haven’t seen your brothers. Will they come home from university soon?”

“Mayhap in the summer.”

“Och, university,” she said dreamily. “What I wouldn’t give to learn to read and write.”

Kennan nearly offered to teach her, but he wouldn’t be there much longer. He’d only begin lessons and he’d be off—and she’d forget everything while he was away. “Perhaps I can find a book of letters for you. The alphabet is the best place to start.”

“Oh, would ye? I’d be ever so grateful.” She batted a tree limb with her riding crop. “Did ye attend university as well?”

“I did—the University of Glasgow. Studied a course on maritime and seafaring. That was where I fell into good standing with the Baronet of Sleat.”

“And you captained ships for him?”

“Aye, the very Lady Heather in refitting at the moment.”

Divana’s expression grew distant at the mention of his ship. She lightly tapped her crop, making the horse trot for a few steps. “Did ye like university?”

“I’ll say the years were invaluable. I made many allies and met friends who have become great men, but I prefer the sea.”

“Why? Ye almost lost your life afore ye washed ashore on Hyskeir.”

“There are a great many risks with sailing, but the rewards are boundless.”

“Like plundering silver?”