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My parents are touring Europe for the next two months. Francesca is on her honeymoon—” She broke off, her gaze shooting to his. Flustered, she rushed ahead. “Anyway, I didn’t like the idea of rattling around the estate with only staff for company.”
    “I’m curious why you didn’t go with your parents. Surely Europe is a more interesting subject than our mountains.”
    “Simple. They didn’t ask. My parents prefer to take their vacations alone.”
    “I see.” Taken aback by her candid response, he said, “Well, I imagine you’ll soon be bored here.”
    “If that happens, then I will know it’s time to go home.”
    “Don’t you have fancy parties to attend? Shopping to do? I’m sure you noticed our one and only general store.”
    Her eyes dulled. “If my presence here is inconvenient, I will leave immediately.”
    Now he felt like a heel. He’d been insensitive. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to make you feel unwelcome.”
    Lashes lowered, she sipped her tea. Her fingers were elegant, nails trim and shiny, skin like satin. One gold filigree ring adorned the fourth finger of her right hand. They were the hands of a privileged lady, unblemished by hard work.
    How would he handle the strain of seeing Francesca’s sister every day? Reminding him of all he’d lost. And the gossip her presence would stir up…
    Undoubtedly, he was going to be the subject of a lot of talk. That’s simply the way things worked in small towns. Wasn’t every day a man’s fiancée up and married someone else.
    “Are you ready for that tour?” He pushed back his chair.
    She hesitated. “If you have something you’d rather do, I can entertain myself. I brought quite a collection of books with me, as well as my harp. I’ll be fine on my own.”
    “You brought your harp?” Who traveled with musical instruments? He’d never understand the whims of the wealthy.
    “It’s a Celtic harp, small enough to hold on my lap. I’ve played for many years. The music soothes me.”
    “I know what you mean,” he said, surprised they had something in common. “About the soothing part. I play the fiddle.”
    “Oh?” Interest stirred in her expression. “I would like to hear you play sometime. Fran didn’t mention that you played an instrument.”
    “That’s because I didn’t tell her.”
    One pitfall of relationships conducted at a distance was that important details were often overlooked or left out entirely. In Francesca’s case, details like another suitor. Thoughts of her with another man churned up unpleasant emotions. The betrayal affected him deeply. If and when he ever decided to court another lady, he’d be certain to keep things simple.
    And the lady sitting across from him was anything but.

Chapter Four
    S trolling about the O’Malley farm, Kate’s gaze was drawn repeatedly to her handsome guide. Sunlight filtered through the leaves overhead, showering patches of light on the navy cotton shirt stretched taut across his back and shoulders. Josh’s rich drawl made each word sound like a caress. Listening to him explain the names and uses of each structure lulled her into a state of contentment.
    He’d spoken hesitantly at first, his expression guarded, as if he expected her to be bored. Her many questions had brought about a change in his tone and manner, however. He was clearly proud of his family’s farm. And from what she’d seen, he had reason to be.
    She surveyed her surroundings with a practiced eye. People back home would enjoy seeing these rural images. The wealthy would use them as a guide to plan sojourns to the mountains. Those who couldn’t afford to visit would at least be able to glimpse the beauty of East Tennessee. She could hardly wait to get started!
    Kate found the workings of a farm fascinating. Here people had to be self-sufficient, working with the land and its offerings to provide for their needs.
    She would never tell him Francesca would’ve been less than thrilled with her new home.