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“Beattie, it is all quite lovely. I thank ye fer preparing me gowns and hanging them.”

Dahlia studied the woman’s face in an effort to discern if she had the potential to be someone she could trust. As she could read nothing in Beattie’s bland expression, for now she schooled herself to appear thrilled with the decorations and her maid’s ministrations, taking care not to allow her sensation of dread and despair to be reflected on her face.

“Would ye care tae bathe, Lady Dahlia?” Beattie gestured toward a large tub behind a screen in the corner of the bedchamber.

“Aye,” Dahlia sighed. “That would be good. Me bones are fair aching after three days in the saddle. I look forward tae resting them in a tubful of warm, scented water.”

“Very well. I’ll see to the hot water in the kitchen and ask the scullery lads to bring sufficient fer ye tae bathe.” With that she hastened out of the room leaving Dahlia to subside into one of the large cushioned chairs in front of the fireplace.

It seemed that Bairre was intent on convincing her that life here as his wife would be warm, sweet-scented and pleasant. A complete contrast to the conditions she’d suffered on her previous visit here.

She didn’t believe that for an instant. What she knew of Laird Mackinnon was that he was every bit as cruel and ruthless as his late brother James. She had no intention of allowing him to lull her into believing otherwise.

Arran was in the stables circling his horse’s shoulder with a curry comb when one of the younger squires approached. The lad hesitated dancing from foot to foot, clearing his throat.

“What is it, lad?”

“A message, melord.”

From his manner Arran quickly deduced that the message would not be in his favor.

“And? Let’s hear it.” He kept his head down, tending the horse.

“’Tis from the laird. He wishes ye tae meet with him at once in his solar.” The lad’s voice quavered and he gave a little cough over the last words.

“Was the laird angry when he tasked ye with delivering his command tae me.”

“Och, aye.” The lad shivered and Arran detected the beginnings of a bruise on his cheek. He recalled that when Bairre’s mood darkened, he lashed out at anyone before him. Mayhap this lad had displeased him in some small way.

He ruffled the boy’s hair and took a coin from his purse. “Here, lad. A coin fer yer trouble.”

After the squire had scurried off Arran leaned against his horse’s shoulder and gave a heartfelt sigh.

“Now tae explain tae his high-and-mighty-lordship why I kept him waiting fer his bride.”

The horse snorted in reply.

When he entered the solar, he was taken aback to see his friend Craig Donald standing alongside Bairre, their backs to the blazing fire in the hearth.

The two men moved to the table at the center of the solar and took their seats. Arran moved to follow them but Bairre, scowling, his face dark as thunder, raised his hand.

“I didnae invite ye tae be seated. I wish ye tae remain standing while ye answer me questions.”

Arran glanced at Craig, wondering why the man had been included in his interrogation. He soon found out the reason.

“I hear from Craig Donald that ye sent him and his men ahead of ye so that ye could ride alone with the Lady Dahlia.”

Craig nodded, saying nothing.

“That is only partly correct, me laird.”

“Are ye telling me that me war leader isnae speaking the truth?”

Arran puzzled on this for a moment, he’d thought he’d made it clear to Craig that he’d wished for the men to ride ahead to ensure their safety. He glanced at Craig who gave him an almost imperceptible nod. This was clearly one of Bairre’s jealous attempts to trick him. The man was overly suspicious, yet arguing with him was perilous.

“Nay, me laird. What I am saying is that the reason fer me request that he and his men ride ahead was nae so I could be alone in her company, but tae protect her.” His glance swept over Craig one more time. A few words from him could set Bairre’s mind at rest.

Craig spoke up. “Aye. Arran made it clear that his concern was that there could be trouble and danger ahead. We were expecting an ambush in store from the MacLeods or from bandits on the road. His wish tae ride with the lady was to shield her from any potential skirmish that could occur.”