The four of them picked at their food as the minutes ticked away until it was time for the men to go. And that time came quickly, when a footman entered the breakfast room to tell them that their horses were saddled and ready. Grace watched her sister and the major’s farewell. They wrapped their arms around each other, whispered in each other’s ear, and finally kissed tenderly. “Be safe, my love,” Claire said before the major turned to mount his horse. As propriety dictated, Grace stood off to the side and said, “Goodbye!” with false cheer, wishing with all her heart that she could fall into Duncan’s arms and tell him to be safe. That she loved him and she expected him to come home soon. She couldn’t do any of that. Instead, she had to pretend that she felt nothing for this man, even as a part of her seemed to disappear as he rode at the major’s side down the long, winding driveway. She hated lying to the world. She hated lying to herself. After the men disappeared at the bend that led to the main road, Claire turned to her, took one look, and grabbed her hand.
