Leana swept her skirts aside and settled onto the piano bench. Her fingers moved easily over the keys. When a bout of sadness overcame her, the lyrical notes of Songs Without Words seldom failed to lift her spirits. But on this bright and shining spring morning, her mood remained as dismal as a dreary rain.

Ye’re in my heart, Leana.

Jamie’s declaration played in her thoughts. Had he truly meant the words he’d spoken? Had his relief at saving her life stirred powerful—but fleeting—emotions? In the days since he’d rescued her from the sea, it seemed an invisible shield had fallen between them. After bringing her aboard his ship, he’d been gentle with her. But he’d kept his distance, treating her with respect and quiet decency without a shred of tenderness or intimacy.

It seemed they’d become strangers. She’d lain with him, and she’d loved him before his anger at her deception drove a wedge between them. Now all of that seemed forgotten. He regarded her with a casual detachment, as if diving into the fierce waves that night had been an act of duty and not of the heart.

Would she ever understand him? If she lived to be ninety and nine, she’d never puzzle out James MacArron. He cared for her. She could see it in his eyes on those rare moments when he let down his guard. But he would never allow himself to break through the barrier her lie had created.

It would be easier to endure his anger, rather than the cool regard that betrayed his lingering distrust.

Soon, she’d shore up her strength and leave this place behind. She couldn’t pretend this civil, oh-so-polite existence wasn’t a quiet hell much longer.

Her finger pounded an off-key note. She sighed, struggling to clear her thoughts. It did no good to ruminate over her feelings. She’d face the inevitable soon enough.

And then she’d leave Castle MacArron behind, her heart’s protests be damned.

Repositioning her fingers on the keyboard, she began again. Isla came in quietly, plopping down next to her on the bench as she hummed along with the tune.

“The melody is beautiful.” Isla said. “Will ye teach me to play this one?”

“Of course,” Leana said, forcing a smile even as she wondered if she would have the opportunity to honor her word. An invisible thorn pricked at her heart. How would she ever find the strength to say goodbye?

An hour later, she sat at the dining table with the captain, Rory, and the girls. Leana gazed at the bowl of lamb stew Mrs. Taylor had prepared for supper, willing herself to eat lest she wound the cook’s feelings. Ordinarily, the dish’s savory scent would have perked her appetite. But tension had stretched her nerves tight, and her stomach had picked this moment to be most uncooperative.

Across from her, Jamie ate heartily, evidently suffering no ill effects from their close proximity. His nearness filled her chest with butterflies. How she wanted him to touch her, a simple caress. But he kept his distance and spoke to her in the infernally bland tone he’d adopted—courteous, gentlemanly, and utterly unlike the man she’d fallen in love with.

Love.

The word hammered in her brain. She’d considered the possibility she loved him before this night. But now, looking at the face she longed to touch and the mouth she yearned to kiss, the truth slammed into her—she’d fallen in love with the captain.

How could she have been so foolish? Why had she opened her heart?

A flash of utter clarity came upon her. It was all so very simple, really. She knew what she had to do.

Loving Jamie was a fool’s game. She had to protect her heart.

She had to leave.

The sooner, the better.

Leana poured herself a small glass of brandy and downed it. At this moment, she needed courage, even if it was of the liquid variety. She’d tell him tonight. She’d inform him she’d decided to leave. There was no choice. The pain of loving him while he treated her with cold, quiet civility was simply too much to bear.

She had to do this. Now. While she could still bear the thought of leaving this place. Before she was hopelessly ensnared by her heart’s longing.

Earlier that night, Jamie had been in his study. She’d passed by the half-closed door. His hands had been pressed against the desk as he studied a map of something or other.

With any luck, he’d still be there.

She walked quietly to the room. A soft knock upon his door announced her presence.

He glanced up. “Ah, Leana, come in.” He rose from behind his desk. “I’ve been meaning to speak with ye.”

“Have you now?” she replied. “It seems we have that in common.”

Clad in dark trousers and a linen shirt, he’d rolled his sleeves to his elbows. Oil light glimmered off the dusting of hair on his forearms. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking as if he was at an uncharacteristic loss for words.

“Leana, I’ve been pondering a decision…one that hasna come easy to me. Not after what’s gone before.” He took her hands in his own. “I am not a romantic man. I couldna quote a poet if my life depended on it. But ye need to know—I want ye to stay here. With me and my girls. As my wife.”

Stunned, she swallowed hard, trying to breathe. This should’ve been a joyous moment. But instead, confusion swarmed her thoughts.

Something isn’t right.

“Your wife? I don’t… I don’t understand. This is so very unexpected.” She met his gaze, searching his eyes for the answers she desperately needed. “Why do you wish to marry me?”

Surprise flickered in his eyes. “Ye have to ask? My daughters would be heartbroken if ye left. Ye risked yer life to shield those girls. They need ye. And so do I.”

She gave her head a brisk shake, as if doing so might clear it. “I hid Isla and Bridget because I wanted to protect them. That had nothing to do with you…and me.”

“Ye’re wrong, lass. After what’s gone between us, I canna stop thinkin’ about ye. I want ye in my bed, Leana. And at my side. Ye deserve to be treated as the lady ye are.”

Do you love me? The question echoed in her thoughts.

He wanted her. He needed her. For himself. And to be a mother to his girls.

Jamie desired her. Neither could deny their passion for one another.

Pity that wasn’t enough.

She loved him. And she needed to be loved in return.

His green eyes darkened as he studied her. “I would be honored if ye’d agree to be my wife, Leana.”

Her pulse roared in her ears. This wasn’t right. This wasn’t what she’d dreamed of. Every fiber of her being ached at the thought of leaving, at the thought of lonely nights yearning for his touch and his kiss, longing for him.

But she had to protect her heart. Much more of this pain, and it would shatter beyond repair.

“I’m so very sorry, Jamie,” she whispered, breaking away. “I cannot do this. I cannot marry you.”