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Season.”
    “And was there a gentleman you fancied?”
    She stiffened at the question, sensing the jealousy in his tone. Though she’d cooperated with her mother’s wishes, attending gatherings where her aunt had introduced her to titled men, she hardly remembered any of the potential suitors. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
    He hung up the saddle and went to work unfastening the bridle. Without looking at her, he said, “I embarrassed you earlier today, when I caught Worthingstone’s hat.”
    “It wasn’t your fault,” she began, though they both knew that was a falsehood. “But you did embarrass me, yes, with the way you were watching me.” She didn’t want him to be humiliated when it became clear that she would never marry him. Her face tightened, and she clasped her hands together. “You shouldn’t. Others might think that—”
    “That I’m in love with you?”
    There was a simple truth in the words, one that devastated her.
You’re not. You can’t be.
    But once again, she gave no reply, unable to speak at all.
    “And I’ll wager I wasna the only man looking upon your bonny face.”
    “I’m not the woman for you, Paul,” she whispered. She had to put an end to this, even if it meant hurting him. “You should turn your eyes elsewhere. I don’t intend to marry anyone at all.”
    “Especially a Scottish rebel?” he dared.
    That wasn’t it at all, but she couldn’t say so. Juliette lifted her shoulders in a helpless shrug. “It’s dangerous, the way you ride out with the others.”
    “I’m a doctor. I ride many places.” He took her hand in his, locking their fingers together. “And I’m no’ the only one who was watching you. Ever since I returned from Edinburgh, I’ve seen Strathland riding near the borders of your land.”
    “Don’t speak of him.” The thought of the earl shadowing her brought a rise of fear. Juliette wrapped her arms around her waist, adding, “I don’t want to even think of that man.”
    “He wouldna hesitate to take advantage of a young lass like yourself.”
    And wasn’t she well aware of that? She dropped her gaze, afraid he would see the terror on her face. Paul drew closer, and she sensed the invisible tension between them, though she needed to hold her distance. “I followed you, when I could,” he admitted. “So you had someone to watch over you.” A bleakness slid over her at his confession. If only he’d been there a year ago. If only she could go back and warn the innocent girl she’d been. Slowly, she pulled away, wondering if she could ever find the courage to admit the truth to him.
    He released a slow breath. “I would ne’er ask for more than you’re able to give, Juliette. I’ll do naught except be a silent guard, when you’ve the need of one.”
    “I appreciate your friendship, Dr. Fraser.” She steeled herself for what she had to say. “But find someone else for your attentions. I’m not the one for you.”
    And with those words, she left him standing alone.

    Paul spent the night tending several crofters who’d suffered minor burn injuries when they’d tried to put out the fire. He’d mixed a healing salve and bandaged the hands of a few men before walking out to stand in front of Loch Monel. Against a clouded moon, the ripples of the water appeared like silvery fins. He stood there for nearly an hour before he heard footsteps approach.
    “You’re looking restless, Fraser.” Cain Sinclair held out a cup. “I’ve brought ale. No’ enough tae get drunk, but it’s a start.”
    Aye, it was a welcome beginning. He raised his cup and offered, “
Slainté
.”
    Paul took a deep sip of the ale and then admitted, “I learned who set the fire. ’Twas Joseph MacKinloch, their footman.”
    “For God’s sake, why?” Cain demanded.
    “Strathland’s men took his sister hostage. They threatened to kill her unless he set the fire. He thought they’d let her go if he did it.”
    “And the daft idiot