Free The Brightest Star in the Highlands: Jennie and Aedan (Clan Grant Series Book 7) by Keira Montclair Page A

him. “Tell me what to do, my laird.”
    “I wish to have you listen to everyone you can. I want you to listen to the kitchen maids, the stable lads, our neighbors when they are here, the warriors—everyone. Ride through the meadows and see if you come upon any small groups meeting outside the castle. Clan members love to talk, so I am hoping they will have heard something they are not willing to bring to me. ‘Tis your job to uncover this information without anyone suspecting your goal.”
    “With pleasure, Aedan. I will make you proud.”
    “Can you do the most important of all? Not breathe a word of your assignment to anyone? I want naught to know but me. This includes mother, Neil, everyone. You must keep this to yourself. Can you do that, Ruari? Can I trust you?”
    “Aye, Aedan. Of course.”
    Aedan stood and limped to his brother’s side, clasping him on the shoulder. “Then make me proud, lad.”
    ***
    A few nights later, just after dusk, a nun came to Jennie’s door. “My dear, The Cameron has come to speak to you. He awaits you in the entranceway.”
    Jennie’s eyes widened. “Thank you, Sister. Please tell him I will be there momentarily.”
    She darted around the room, cleaning her teeth with a cloth, straightening her hair, and grabbing her plaid for her shoulders. Once she was ready, she rushed down the passageway.
    He had pulled the fur back from the front window to allow the night air inside. Out of his bed, Aedan looked strong and powerful, his dark hair curling at the base of his neck, his shoulders strong and broad. He hadn’t trimmed his beard in a few days, and the dark growth across his cheeks gave him an air of mystery. His strong jaw was clenched. When he heard her enter the room, he spun around and flashed a beautiful smile, his teeth so white they were like a beacon.
    She approached him, but stopped a few feet away. “Problems, Chief Cameron?”
    “Nay, I am healing quite nicely. I wondered if you would join me in a stroll. I wanted to explain a little bit more about my curiosity. ‘Tis a beautiful night with a clear sky, full of stars.”
    He grinned at her, his excitement infectious.
    “Aye, I would like that.”
    The nun who had summoned her stood nearby waiting, so Jennie turned to her and said, “I’ll return shortly.”
    “We travel with a few guards, Sister. I promise to take good care of her.”
    The sister nodded and retreated. Aedan held the door open and said, “After you, my lady.”
    Jennie quirked her brow at him. “Now, I’m my lady? When did that happen?”
    “My mother taught me to be respectful, especially around the nuns. If not, my sire told me they would take a paddle to my arse, and I have enough places on my body paining me at present.” He grinned and grabbed her hand, pulling her along behind him. “Come, I want you to see the stars and their shapes. You’ll rarely get a night this bonny for gazing at the stars.”
    They took off, hand in hand, in a slow run across the meadow, his guards a safe distance behind them. Once halfway across, Aedan pointed in front of him. “I was hoping we could climb this hill. ‘Tis my favorite spot to check the stars.”
    Their climb slowed once they reached the slope, and she could tell his injury was definitely still bothering him. His face shone with excitement at the prospect of sharing one of his loves with her. Jennie relished this private time with him, away from his duties as chieftain and her duties as a healer. When they finally reached the top of the hill, he tilted his head back and said, “Look.” He tipped his head back to look at the dark sky above them, which appeared to be alight with hundreds of small torches. “Can you believe how many stars there are?”
    Jennie stood in one spot, but Aedan ran across the top of the hill, pointing every time he noticed something new. “Jennie, did you know the Greeks have determined that the path of the sun and the planets is not circular, but more