He still had his arms around her, but his eyes were on her face as if it was impossible for him to look away.
“The housekeeper said to me this morning that the Chieftain is the – heart of the Clan,” Sona replied, “and that is what you will be very soon, when they must not only – respect and admire you but also – love you.”
The Marquis pulled her close to him.
“I understand what you are saying to me. But it will be hard, very hard, for me to do what should be done if you are not with me.”
“I have – thought that – too,” Sona whispered.
“How can I face the future without you?” the Marquis asked. “I cannot imagine living nearer to Heaven than to be here with you as my wife, to look after our people, to fight for the rights of Scotland and to influence the King to look on us kindly! But I
