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“We were discussing yer journey here and the unpleasantness that occurred in the woods,” the McKenna said abruptly. “I want to know what ye think of the matter.”

Davina’s tongue touched her lips. People rarely sought her opinion and never so directly. Apparently the laird did not feel the need to make small talk before easing into the business he wished to address.

“Our traveling party was attacked without warning or provocation. Sir Malcolm and his men fought bravely to keep me and my companion, Colleen, safe,” she replied. “I am grateful and relieved that none were seriously injured and that nothing of value was stolen.”

“Well said, lass.” The McKenna nodded approvingly. “But now that we have had some time to think upon the incident, we need to understand why the men attacked.”

“They were thieves, were they not?”

“Most likely.” The laird’s sharp eyes narrowed upon her. “But we believe the treasure they sought to steal was ye.”

“Me? That’s impossible.”

“Men will do almost anything to secure the hand of an heiress,” the McKenna insisted. “’Tis the best, logical explanation.”

“Hardly the only one,” Davina muttered. “Besides, if a man had an honorable offer of marriage, he need only approach my uncle.”

Where he would be soundly rejected. At my request.

The laird cocked his head. “Perhaps this man did and yer uncle turned him away. We all know a Highlander doesn’t like to be denied.”

“Aye, ye would not be the first Scottish bride kidnapped by an eager groom.” Malcolm cleared his throat loudly. “I’ve heard tell that some lasses think it’s romantic.”

“Hogwash!” Lady Aileen reached over and slapped her son on the arm. “No woman would find being taken by force romantic.”

A spot of color flushed Malcolm’s cheeks. “I dinnae say I agreed with it. I was merely stating the fact.”

Davina could feel her shoulders tense. If the laird only knew the truth about her, he would realize the absurdity of this conversation. Yet pride held her tongue from revealing her full circumstances. “There have been no offers of marriage. My uncle would have told me.”

The McKenna frowned. “He might not have troubled ye with an offer that he felt was unworthy. That could prompt a man who was turned away to take matters into his own hands.”

Davina’s mind churned. It was true that her uncle would have neglected telling her of a marriage proposal that he rejected. But what man would be daft enough to suggest it? All the local clans knew she was a recluse and surely thought her an oddity.

Nay, the idea is absurd.

Davina stared at her knotted hands. “I am a woman of little consequence. I can assure ye that no man would waste his time trying to kidnap me.”

“Yer modesty is admirable, though misplaced.” The McKenna smiled. “But ye cannae deny that ye need protection and I’ve found a solution that will be sure to please ye. What do ye say to a Christmas wedding?”

“Fer me?” Davina squeaked.

“Aye. Either of my sons would make ye a fine husband.”

Davina bolted upright in her seat. She suddenly found it difficult to breathe.

“Och, Brian, ye’ve made a fine mess of things,” Aileen shouted at her husband. “The poor lass has gone as white as a linen shift.”

“She’s surprised, that’s all, and filled with maidenly nerves,” the McKenna insisted. “Once she has a moment to think upon it, I’m sure she’ll be delighted at my suggestion.”

A stunned silence tied Davina’s tongue in knots. The very idea of marriage was unthinkable given her unease around men, though to be honest, she had made considerable progress in overcoming those feelings since arriving at McKenna Castle.

But marriage? ’Twas impossible!

She took a few calming breaths before formulating her reply. “I am touched by yer concern fer me. Truly. However, I have no intentions of getting married.”

“Ever?”

Davina pulled her mouth into a thin line and nodded. “I’ll never wed.”