Page 115 of Tempting the Highland Spy
“How very noble of you! So, you will do the honorable thing if I…ifwe…have conceived a child. But if not, you’ll see me sail off on a ship across the Atlantic and that will be that?”
“Grace, that’s not what I meant.”
“Don’t lie to me. That’s exactly what you meant. If you have fathered a babe, you will honor your responsibility. I suppose I should credit you for that. After all, many a man would not even acknowledge his obligation in that circumstance, much less with a woman like me.”
He plowed his fingers through his hair. “You’ve made it abundantly clear that you long to return to America. And now, you tell me that you have a sister there, flesh and blood kin, a lass who needs family in her life. How could I possibly ask you to stay?”
Emotion scalded the back of her throat. “Then come with me, Harry. You’d love America.”
Very slowly, he shook his head. “My duty is here, Grace.” He reached for the portrait of Claire. “And yours is an ocean away.”
“I’m convinced you saved Belle’s life.” Dressed in a cheerful traveling dress in a hue that matched the midday sky, Mrs. Carmichael packed her case as they readied for departure. “That scoundrel she married deduced you were a threat to his scheme. I’m impressed with your courage.”
Courage. Grace nearly laughed aloud at the word. She’d been terrified throughout the ordeal. But she’d come through it unscathed, hadn’t she?
Unless one considered the gaping wound on her heart.
My duty is here, Grace.
The tears she’d fought to hold back had come so close to erupting when he’d uttered those words. He’d made it clear he would not follow her. He hadn’t been cruel. But the words had cut deeply nonetheless.
“Thank you for everything. I don’t think I would have succeeded without you.”
The matron smiled. “Nonsense. You’re clever, and you’re exceedingly resourceful. It was a pleasure working with you, my dear.”
“For me as well. Mrs. Carmichael, I have something to share with you. I think you’ll appreciate this.” Grace proudly showed her the portrait. “This is my sister, Claire. She’s studying to become a teacher. She’s a fine young lady.”
Mrs. Carmichael nodded thoughtfully. “Just like her sister.”
“Thank you.” Grace put the portrait back in it place and sat wearily upon the side of the bed. “It has been such a long morning, the kind of morning that feels as if it’s gone on for years.”
“I do understand.” Mrs. Carmichael regarded her silently, as if she’d deduced the cause of Grace’s sadness. “You may not believe this, but Idounderstand what you’re feeling. Don’t worry—it will get better. I have faith in the future—and in Harrison.”
