Liam said. He looked over the boy’s shoulder. “Where is Claire?”“She’s up at the cottage, sir. Mrs. O’Rourke sent me to fetch you.”Liam said to the blacksmith, “Carry on, Jem.” Then, to the groom who was holding the colt’s halter rope, “put him out in a paddock when he’s done. Give him a chance to move around before you return him to his stall.”“Yes, sir,” the groom replied.Liam came over to Simon and put an arm around his shoulders. “Come along with me to the office, Simon. We have things to discuss.”Simon eyes closed in relief when he felt that strong arm encircle him. He said, “I know you must be angry we ran away, but it was my idea, sir. Claire’s not to blame.”They stepped out of the stable and into the bright sunshine. Liam said, exasperation in his voice, “Whatever possessed you to elope? Why didn’t you come to me first?”The words poured out of Simon; it was so important to make Liam understand! “I didn’t come to you because I knew there was nothing you could do to help us. My father would never allow us to marry, and, until I’m twenty-one, I’m under his power. Eloping was the only possible way to circumvent him.” He glanced anxiously at Liam’s profile. “He wanted to send me to Oxford, and I couldn’t bear being separated from Claire again. I was just so sick of school and boys and being away from home.”
