There Your Heart Will Be Also by Felicia Rogers

cold.
    â€œSir Henry , have you noticed anything unusual in your patrols?”
    â€œNay, we have not. All is well.”
    â€œ It worries me.”
    â€œPardon, mistress?”
    â€œSir Henry, have you seen the Scotsman who arrived a few days hence . His name is Cedric MacNeil.”
    â€œAye, I have. He is staying at Mege a n’s p lace. He’s taken her spare room , I believe.”
    â€œDo you know anything about him?”
    â€œNay. Nothing save he is a decent swordsm a n and h a s dealt fair ly with all those in the village . Should I be concerned? ”
    â€œNay,” she said. Perhaps she was worrying needlessly. If the head of her guard saw no call for concern, why should she ?
    â€œVery well. Thank you. That’ s all.”
    Sir Henry bowed at the dismissal and left her standing in the garden alone . Who was Cedric ? What was he doing here? What did he want? W hy did she feel like he was dancing around the real reason? Why did no one else share her concerns?
    She paced under the hanging foliage, rubb ing her arms to stave off the cold . A t the sound of an unexpected voice from behind she leapt off the ground .
    â€œ I s that y e, Sarra ?”
    Swinging around in an arc, she came face to face with the object of her thoughts . He was lounging on a tree opposite her own. “Where did you come from?”
    â€œScotland.”
    She huffed out an impatient breath at the man’s insolent answer. “No , I mean now. Have you been here the whole time?”
    â€œI guess it depends. Where is here?”
    His casual pose only irritate d her more. “Please don’t patronize me. You know very well what I mean.”
    â€œOh, ye mean here in the garden. Well I was walking by and I saw ye shivering and I thought ye might need this.”
    Cedric’s hand shot forward , extending her his jacket. Sarra’s jaw relaxed and she moved to take article of clothing from him , but he resisted. With one step he was in front of her. The material flared out over her head and the rough wool settling down over her shoulders.
    â€œWould ye like to take a walk with me?”
    Alarm rose within her and her heart beat increas ed . “Walk with you ? W here?”
    â€œ Here in t he garden, perhaps.”
    â€œVery well , ” she answered .
    Cedric offered his arm and she hesitated. Lines of worry crinkled at the corners of his eyes as Sarra finally accepted, wrapping her arm around his.
    T hey walked together , their steps matching each other , as she huddled deep er within the warm cloak . The coarse woolen fabric smelled of musk . It was the scent of the Scotsman. Th e thought of being so close to something that had once caressed his flesh caused her to blush.
    An awkward silence pervaded as they followed the garden’s manicured path. M ist fell and coated the greenery with wetness . S arra shivered and Cedric placed his arm around her shoulders , pull ing her into his side . She didn’t move or protest , enjoying the extra warmth he provided.
    â€œI hope ye don’t mind me touch. My gentlemanly ways won’t allow a lovely young lass to freeze.”
    Without warning, Cedric turned her to face him. Sarra was not a short woman — the top of her head reaching his chin . Tilting her head back her gaze met his. Sh e couldn’t help but be drawn in by the blue depth of his eyes.
    His hand rose unbidden toward her face. His thumb found her jaw and caressed the silken skin. Slowly his hand slipped to the back of her neck, his fingers becoming tangled in her hair. His mouth descended .
    Before their lips met he stopped. When she didn’t move away he brushed her lips lightly with his, like the caress of butterfly wings. The touch was imperceptible and Sarra wondered if it had been imagined.
    She didn’t know how to respond. The affection he showed was unexpected, but not unwelcome. Lowering her chin, she moistened her lips. Expecting something to be