Page 21 of Return to Clan Sinclair
She knew, from conversations among the children, there were at least three ways to the village of Kinloch. She took the easiest way, the road leading from the back of the house, hugging the cliffs.
It was bright, no clouds overhead to mar the promise of a beautiful day. Seabirds called to her as she walked. The incoming tide whispering over the sand sounded like her name: Ceana.
How many people worked at Drumvagen? In addition to the barn and the stables some distance from the house, there were the buildings housing Macrath’s refrigeration machines. She counted five of those, each one closer to the village than the next. Did he own all the land between Drumvagen and Kinloch?
A surge of pride made her smile. Macrath had achieved everything he’d wanted as a boy in Edinburgh. Nor had he been stingy with his good fortune. Look how intent he’d been to ensure she had a chance at a bright future, too. If he hadn’t paid for and accompanied her during her London season, she would never have met Peter. Macrath, in turn, would never have met Virginia.
Fate had a large hand in their romantic destinies.
“You shouldn’t be on the road alone.”
She jerked, startled and turned to face Bruce.
“I’m only going to Kinloch,” she said. “No farther.”
“Nevertheless, you shouldn’t be alone.”
“This Henderson person doesn’t want me. I doubt if he even knows I exist.”
“I’m not willing to take that chance,” he said. “I don’t want any harm to come to you.” He reached out his hand, the backs of his fingers brushing her cheek.
She took a step back. “I have to go to the village.”
“Then fine, I’ll accompany you.”
“That wouldn’t be acceptable. I’m going to see the minister. I’ve been told that Kinloch has a lovely church.”
“Are you feeling the need of spiritual guidance?”
She only shook her head.
“You’re going to go ask him if it’s all right if you continue living.”
How did he know that?
“Go back to Drumvagen, Bruce,” she said, beginning to walk again.
“Are you going to ask for expiation for that, too? For calling me Bruce as opposed to Mr. Preston? How improper you can be, Ceana.”
She stopped in the middle of the road, folded her arms and glared at him.
“Are you going to follow me all the way to Kinloch?”
“Yes. I have your safety to consider as well as the rest of the family. Besides, I can give you as much spiritual guidance as your minister.”
She ignored him and continued walking.
“You may call me Reverend Preston.”
“Don’t be sacrilegious.”
His grin was too captivating. She simply couldn’t look in his direction.
“I would say to you, Ceana Mead, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to live, even after such a disastrous loss.”
He was speaking from personal experience, which made it difficult to discount his words.
“I’m living,” she said.
