Page 44 of The Highlander's Illicit Bride
“Aye. ’Tis Isolde Mackintosh,” he said, his voice deep and resonant. “She is here as me guest and she will be afforded every courtesy as such. Am I clear?”
Muttered agreement fluttered through the crowd, but Struan could see the looks of surprise along with darker glares directed at Isolde. She stepped closer to him. He turned to a pair of chambermaids who stood close by.
“I’d like ye two tae prepare the chamber next tae me own fer Lady Isolde,” he said. “Prepare her a bath and fetch her some clean clothes. Also, get her somethin’ tae eat and drink. She needs refreshment after our journey.”
“Aye, me laird,” the two chambermaids said with a polite curtsy.
Struan turned to Isolde. “Ye need tae go with them.”
She frowned, her brow furrowing. “Where are ye goin’?”
“I have tae see the Council. We need tae begin’ makin’ plans,” he replied.
Isolde studied him, reading the tension behind his words. “I understand,” she said at last, lifting her chin. “But, if I can be of any assistance, promise me ye’ll tell me. I want tae help, Struan. Truly.”
A small smile touched his lips. “I ken it. And I’ll nae shut ye out. Ye have me word.”
She nodded once and Struan placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “It will be all right. I promise ye.”
Then turned to his sister. “Mairi, take Lady Isolde tae her chambers and help her settle in.”
Mairi looked uncertain, a small frown touching her lips. But when Struan turned a withering gaze upon her, she nodded.
“Aye. All right,” she said.
“And play nice. Isolde is me guest.”
A crooked grin touched her lips. “I’m always nice.”
“’Tis debatable.”
“Ye fool,” she said with a laugh. “Come, me lady, follow me. We’ll get ye all set up nice and proper.”
Mairi looped her arm through Isolde’s and led her away, chatting her up. Isolde cast one last glance over her shoulder at Struan, and he gave her an encouraging nod, letting her know everything would be all right. When they disappeared into the castle, he turned to Ewan, the smile dropping from his face, replaced by a somber expression.
“We’ve much tae talk about.”
“Before we dae, ye need tae see somethin’ that arrived fer ye yesterday,” he said.
“A surprise already?”
“A message from Mackintosh.”
On his way into the castle, Struan shook as many hands as he could, thanking the household staff for their warm welcome home and for their concern. Ewan led him through the labyrinth of stone corridors that wound through the castle until they came to the heavy oak door of Struan’s study. Ewan pushed it open and stepped inside.
Before they had even closed the door though, a pair of scullery maids bustled in and laid trays of food and drink on the table, giving Struan a warm nod and smile.
“Has Lady Isolde gotten her bath?” Struan asked.
“Aye. ‘Tis bein’ taken care of now, me laird,” said the dark-haired maid.
Struan nodded. “And can ye make sure food is sent tae her? We’ve been on the road a while and havenae had a proper meal in ages. Make sure she eats her fill.”
“Aye, me laird. We’ll see tae it.”
“Thank ye,” he said with a nod.
After they’d gone, Struan turned to the food they’d brought in. He took a moment to savor the rich aromas filling the room and smiled.
