When, some while later, Mari was obliged to return and complete her chores, she entered the byre and exhaled in relief to not see him.
“I would have a word with you.”
Mari flinched at the sound of the quiet, firm voice from the shadows behind her. She turned around to find Callum, arms folded, leaning casually against a timber post.
She let her eyes meet his. A mistake. His gaze burned into hers. She diverted her eyes to the empty chicken feed pail in her hands. To set it down in its proper place would bring her nearer to him, so she clutched it tensely. Dusk was settling in, cloaking them both in its shadows.
“I cannae talk with you here, or anywhere for that matter.” She quickly glanced at him, but the way he was staring at her made her more ill at ease. She impulsively pivoted away,
