The Scottish Witch by Cathy Maxwell

pleased with the turn of events was Lady Maclean.
    There were many reasons God created big sisters, and the most important, in Portia’s mind, was for them to speak for their younger siblings.
    It didn’t seem right that two people who had so enjoyed each other’s company were now apart, and all because neither spoke up.
    Portia understood Minnie couldn’t run after Mr. Tolliver. It would not be seemly.
    But Portia could.
    She dismissed her concerns about Colonel Chattan. They were unimportant in the face of True Love.
    Without a word to her mother or anyone else, Portia walked out the door in search of Mr. Tolliver.
    There were quite a few gentlemen gathered outside around the door. They stood in the torchlight, sharing a bottle that they passed between them. Mr. Tolliver was not among their number.
    “Here, lass,” one of them said. He was Augie Macdonald, the farrier. “Take my plaid and keep your shoulders warm.”
    Portia gratefully accepted the offering and continued on her way.
    Horses nickered at her as she moved past them. The ground was soft but not wet, and even if it had been, she would not have thought of her dancing slippers. She was on a mission.
    And then she caught sight of Mr. Tolliver. He had on his hat and was standing by his horse. He was giving a coin to one of the lads who watched the horses, and Portia had to hurry or he would leave. She hastened her step.
    “Mr. Tolliver, please, I beg of you to wait.”
    He turned to her. His shoulders stiffened, but he was a polite man.
    “How may I be of service, Miss Maclean?” he asked.
    Portia glanced at the boy and his friends who were listening with big ears. “Please, sir, walk with me a moment?”
    “Of course.” Mr. Tolliver nodded to the boy to continue watching his horse and offered his arm. Portia directed him toward the trees to the side of the barn. There was a pond here and tables had been set out. Other couples lingered around them so Portia didn’t think their presence would be too remarkable. However, to ensure they were not overheard, she moved as far from other people as she could. She didn’t need to worry. Those others were too caught up in their conversations to eavesdrop on Portia’s.
    She faced Mr. Tolliver. “Why are you leaving the dance so early?”
    He didn’t pretend to misunderstand her meaning. “You know why I’m not.”
    “No, I don’t.” She drew a breath and plunged in with the question uppermost in her mind. “Do you not admire my sister?”
    “Of course I do.”
    “Above all others?” she demanded.
    There was a beat of silence. Portia could feel the man struggle with himself. “You know I have deep affection for her.”
    Portia wanted to groan her frustration. She hated when men and women kept their distance with words. She herself liked to cut to the heart of a matter. That was how one managed to see things done.
    “She has been waiting for you to call.”
    “I mustn’t. She will be wiser to find a better man.”
    “Oh, so you can’t abide her.”
    He appeared startled at her suggestion. “Who could not like your sister?” he said. “She is one of the stars in the heavens. She is gracious and kind and lovely. The most perfect woman God ever fashioned.”
    “Is that why you ignore her?” Portia surmised, her tone making it clear he didn’t make sense.
    Mr. Tolliver lifted his chin and straightened his shoulders. “I’m not ignoring her. I am setting her free.”
    “Free of what?”
    “Me.”
    There, he’d finally admitted it, and now Portia was determined to set him straight. “I know what my mother said to you. I am deeply embarrassed—”
    “She was right—”
    “She was wrong .” Portia placed her hand on his arm. “Mother is, well, funny in her conclusions. I don’t agree with her emphasis on the superficial. Nor does Minnie. My sister admires you greatly. She may appear to many to be happily dancing, but I know her best of all, and her heart is breaking. She holds you in