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“It doesn’t look like one building More like a few of them,” I murmur, mostly to myself

“Built in different tio back to the eleventh century What we just passed? That was built in the thirteenth century and heavily fortified This part of the castle was added in the seventeen-hundreds after the faland a wee bit of political work Or so goes the tale The place has been added to every century in between”

“Even now?”

“The current duke has poured a fortune into repairs after the previous two let it go to rack and ruin Spent their s Expensive hobbies, they had” Debauching ht have said that aloud as his brow creases in a frown, but it’s gone just as quick “I reckon I could get a job as a tour guide if I get sick of the gardens,” he adds with a laugh “And in case you did’nae notice, we’re here”

By now it’s almost fully dark as Cahts burn froht, which look like a row of terraced cottages To the left, the less walls of the Castle loom cold and dark

“The staff cottages,” he says, nodding his head in the direction of the lights as Gertie’s tail begins to thump

“But you don’t live here” Froruntled snort before Gertie’s bulky for back down

“No” He pushes back his cap, ruffling his hair, his teeth shining white in the glooe It’s very convenient for the pub” Then he does that thing that lance that scans the whole of ined his appraisal “Once you get settled, I’ll take you there, if you like”

So, not ination, then

“You ers in my words

“Oh, aye” It’s hard to tell in the light, but I’d swear his cheeks turn a little pink “Maybe to start, I reckon”

“Oh, do you?”

He’s not so shy as I’d first i And the ninety-minute journey has flown by in his easy co what harhta littleabout a certain someone Because if a certain soiven me his assistant’s “If I’ht just take you up on that”

“You’re not worrit about Mari, are you?” Consternation flickers over his brow “I wouldn’t have ht—”