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in her eyes replaced for the moment with wonder.
    “I wonder have you seen anything of the grounds?  I have an errand to see to this morning, but I would be honored if you would permit me to give you a tour when I get back after luncheon.  Would that suit?”  He gave the girl such a charming smile that she had no choice but to smile back.
    “Thank you, Mr. Whitfield,” she began, but Finlay interrupted her.
    “Finn, please.  Mr. Whitfield was my father, and that crashing bore over there across the table is Mr. Whitfield as well.  I am just Finn.”
    “All right, Finn.  I ’ d be happy to have you show me the grounds.”  She picked up her teacup , and Alec noticed that her hands were no longer trembling.  Well done, b rother , he thought as he picked up his own cup.  In the meantime, Finn settled himself into a chair next to Miss Crane and poured her a fresh cup of tea like the best of hostesses, offering her a sausage roll before putting one on his plate.  He seemed so at ease that the girl began to relax and even took a bite of the roll . 
    “Finn, is Mr. Willis still asleep?”  He didn’t like Finn’s guest and would be glad to see the back of him.  There was something shifty about the man , and he worried about Finlay talking in front of the man so openly last night.  Some things his brother said could be called treasonous , and he worried about his lack of discretion.
    “He left at dawn.  He had business in Plymouth.”  Finn reached for another roll and offered the plate to Miss Crane, who declined, but gave him a charming smile which he returned tenfold.
    “Speaking of Plymouth, I had a message yesterday.  Morning Star is due to dock on the evening tide tomorrow.  I think both of us are required.”
    “I will be ready to leave by noon on the morrow,” with that Finlay rose from the table and gave Miss Crane a courteous bow before excusing himself and walking out the door. 
    Miss Crane watched Finlay go and her look of fear instantly returned.  Alec wanted to put her at ease, but he was not the flirt his brother was and small talk did not come easily to him.
    “There is a lovely walled garden behind the castle.  Perhaps you would care to see it?  My mother used to love sitting there on summer mornings.”  The thought of his mother made his chest constrict for a moment, but he continued.  “I have some work to do this morning, but I would be happy to show you the garden first.”
    “That would be lovely, Mr. Whitfield,” she answered without enthusiasm.  No doubt she thought he would question her about her past , and she obviously had things to hide.
    “Please call me Alec and I will call you Valerie, if I may.  I give you my word that you are safe here with us , and I will not ask another thing.  You can tell me only what you wish.  You can stay here indefinitely if you wish.  We certainly have the room and as my brother pointed out, we are in sore need of beauty and wit.”  He sounded pompous, even to himself , but that seemed to put her a t ease slightly , and she smiled at him.
    “Thank you, Alec.  That’s very kind.   I would love to see the garden with you."
     

 
     
    Chapter 7
     
    Alec Whitfield was true to his word and did n’ t ask me any more questions as we strolled around the lovely garden , pointing out the different flowers that his mother had planted before her death.  On this warm, June morning, the garden was a riot of color with everything busting into bloom around us , and birds singing their hearts out delirious with joy over the gorgeous weather .  The smell of roses filled the air , and the bees hovered over the fragrant blooms buzzing contentedly.  The idyll of the garden made me feel slightly more peaceful th a n I did this morning , as I followed Alexander Whitfield from flower bed to flower bed .  We made small talk for a little while , but neither one of us was a natural gardener , and the topic was soon exhausted.  Eventually