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Alec excused himself , and went back inside to work, leaving me alone in the garden with my thoughts. 
    I sat down on a stone bench next to a particularly fragrant bush of primroses and closed my eyes, turning my face to the morning sun.  I felt slightly less hysterical knowing that the Whitfields weren’t going to put me out any time soon.  At least , I was relatively safe for now until I came up with some kind of plan.  I smiled , thinking of Finn.  He was certainly a surprise.  Tall and lean like his brother, he had darker hair and eyes of a brilliant shade of green, brought out by his moss - colored doublet, purchased no doubt for that purpose.  I think Finlay was very much aware of his charms , and didn ’ t lack for female companionship .  He went out of his way to put me at ease this morning , and I was grateful to him for that kindness.  He must have realized how frightened I was , and tried to reassure me that my presence at the castle wasn ’ t a burden.  I had to admit that he was one of the best - looking men I had ever seen , and I had seen plenty. 
    Alec was handsome too, but in a different way.  He was obviously older by a few years and there was a maturity in him that wasn’t apparent in his brother.  His brown eyes were thoughtful and intelligent, but also a trifle melancholy, especially when he spoke of his mother.   Finn was the charmer, but Alec was the one with authority , and he made me feel strangely safe in a situation where safety was as elusive as the moon.  He ’ d promised me his protection , and I believed he took his promises seriously.
    I was startled out of my reverie by the sound of footsteps crunching on the gravel path , and opened my eyes to find a young girl standing in front of me, gaping with curiosity .  She was about fourteen with wispy blond hair trying to escape the confines of her cap , and watery blue eyes, round with wonder.  She gave me an awkward curtsey and blurted out, “It’s almost lunchtime, Miss.  Mr. Alec sent me to fetch y e .”
    “Thank you.  You must be Nell.”  The girl gaped at me as if I was clairvoyant and nodded vigorously.  “Betty told me about you.  It’s nice to meet you.”
    “Likewise, Miss.”  She curtsied again and opened her mouth as if to say something, closing it again and turning to walk back up the path.  I followed her reluctantly, not wanting to leave the sanctuary of the garden.  Finlay would be back soon , and although I looked forward to our walk , I was also a little apprehensive.  I wondered if I should be asking for a chaperone. 

 
     
    Chapter 8
     
    Finlay presented himself to me in the drawing room shortly after lunch , ready for our walk.  He was still wearing the same clothes, but his hair had been pulled back into a ponytail and tied back with a thong , and a sword was hanging at his left hip, the hilt glinting in the sunlight.  He followed m y gaze and smiled.  “Just a precaution, Mistress Crane.  Nothing to concern yourself with.  Shall we?” 
    Betty had brought me a wide - brimmed straw hat for walking out , so I put this on and followed Finn out the door.  He led me down the hill toward the river Yealm, never touching me, but always near enough to let me feel his solid presence at my side. 
    “Has your family lived at this castle for a long time?”  I asked , to distract him from gazing at me so intently. 
    “ Less than one hundred years, which is not that long compared to some families.  Our grandfather was gifted the castle by Henry VIII in 1544 , after distinguishing himself at the Siege of Boulogne.  It seems he had some grand idea of digging a tunnel under the walls of the city and packing them with explosives.  Unfortunately, Henry did not give him a title to go with it.  It would have been quit e useful,” he said with a chuckle.  “Titles go a long way at Court.  The castle is actually called Yealm Castle after the river.  The main part was built in the