’Twas not long after running into the men that a keep came into view. Iliana relaxed then, for it could be none other than the McInnes keep. They had not traveled long enough to have reached another clan’s keep, she hoped. She was distracted from that thought when one of the men broke away from the group and rode ahead. Probably with the news of her arrival, she realized, and began to fret anew over whether the Dunbars were presently feuding with the McInneses.

Before she could work herself up over that worry too much, they had reached the castle walls. She found herself being led into the bailey and directly up to the steps where what appeared to be the lord and lady of the manor waited to greet her.

Judging by their welcoming smiles, the McInneses were not presently feuding with the Dunbars. Iliana relaxed again and smiled as her horse was brought to a halt.

Lord and Lady McInnes were somewhere in their fifties. The man’s hair was salt and pepper, but surely once had been a mantle of pure ebony. Of average height, but well-formed, he was quite attractive. Iliana returned his smile briefly, then turned to his wife. Her hair was fairer, a medium brown with a mere fleck of blue-gray here and there. She was also quite lovely. Iliana stared in bemusement at the smiling woman, then glanced down as one of the men moved to her side to help her dismount.

“Me lady, ’tis a pleasure to meet ye!”

Once again on her feet, Iliana whirled to meet the owner of that bluff, cheerful voice. “Lord McInnes.” She gave a slight curtsy. “Lady McInnes.”

“When was the weddin’?” Lord McInnes asked curiously.

“Three days ago.”

“I am sorry we missed it.” There was a miffed quality to Lady MacInnes’s voice as she said that, and Iliana offered an apologetic smile.

“’Tis most likely my fault. I suspect we arrived earlier than expected. And the wedding was held a mere hour after our arrival.”

Lady McInnes blinked. “But we did not even ken Duncan planned on amarryin’.”

Iliana shifted uncomfortably. “Well, that would be my fault as well. You see, he married me to save me from my stepfather, and to help save my mother from him as well. ’Twas arranged quickly.”

Lady McInnes’s eyebrows had risen with every word she spoke. The woman eyed Iliana with fascination. “Oh, my dear. We definitely must discuss this. Come along inside and I shall offer ye a beverage.”

Chapter Six

“So ye dinna have time to be aseein’ to the task yersel’ and let yer wee wife come out on her own!”

Duncan drew his mount to a halt, his gaze darting around the trees until he spied Ian McInnes perched in the lowest branch of one on his left. “Ye found ’er?”

“Aye.” Dropping out of the tree, Ian walked toward him and Duncan sank back in his saddle with relief.