“Oh, give me the blasted gown,” Iliana snapped in exasperation, reaching out to rip the sheer gown from Aelfread’s hands. ’Twas a drafty old castle and she’d had enough of this ridiculousness.

She donned the gown as Seonaid watched, and then the woman turned to the door. “Get ye into bed. Aelfread and I’ll go see what is takin’ the men so long.”

Iliana nibbled at her lip as she watched the women go, then whirled to face Ebba. “Fetch me that belt Francesco gave Papa. ’Tis in the chest this gown was in.”

Ebba’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh no, my lady. You can not wear that contraption.”

Iliana’s expression darkened. “I can and I will. Fetch it.”

The maid hesitated briefly, then did as she was told. Finding the item, she grimaced with distaste as she held it out to her.

Iliana took the leather belt sadly. Lord Wildwood had always endeavored to bring back odd and exotic gifts from his travels. This was one of the oddest. He had gained two of the belts on his last trip to Italy. Her father had laughed heartily as he had produced one for both his wife and daughter, explaining it to them as he did. They were an invention of his friend, Francesco Carraro. He’d called them “belts to maintain chastity.”

Iliana shook her head as she thought of the man. She had no idea what would make him create the silly thing. ’Twas a belt made of thick leather, but with a wide center strap that attached to it at the back, then slid between the thighs and was fastened to the belt in the front by a metal lock. It looked most uncomfortable.

Undoing the lock, Iliana let the center strap drop to hang and worried her lip as she examined the ridiculous thing. Then, stiffening her resolve, she grimaced and yanked her gown up to fasten it on. ’Twas an awkward trick to manage. She had to grab at the strap hanging behind her and draw it up between her legs. Locking it into place, she nodded her satisfaction, then peered at the key. What to do with that?

She peered around the room briefly, then glanced up at the bed drapes. Giving a shrug, she tossed it atop them, checked to be sure ’twas not obvious through the heavy cloth, then scampered into bed as the boisterous sound of approaching voices warned of her husband’s imminent arrival.

Chapter Three

Blushing brightly, Iliana watched as her husband was carried into the room by a bunch of men, laughing loudly and jesting in Gaelic. She was momentarily glad she couldn’t understand them. Angus Dunbar was at the head of the group. Winking at her, he ordered the men to set Duncan on the ground; then they all began removing his clothes.