Chapter 11 #2
He paused at the doorway, turning just enough for the firelight to catch his scars. “Ye liked the last one well enough,” he said, one brow lifting.
Her face flamed anew. “Ian!”
“Sleep well, Lady McGuire,” he said. “We’ve an early start.”
With that, he strode from the room, leaving her alone with the fading warmth of the fire and the echo of his voice. Arianna sat still for a long moment, fingers resting lightly on the edge of her plate. She told herself she should dread whatever he had planned.
Instead, anticipation unfurled slowly in her chest, warm and bright as the hearth behind her.
Arianna returned to her chamber with slow, thoughtful steps, closing the door softly behind her.
The fire had been banked low, and the quiet of the room pressed in around her like a held breath.
Her mind circled the promise of the morning.
Their second outing awaited, and with it the unspoken march toward the third, after which she had agreed the marriage would be consummated.
The thought sent a ripple of nerves through her stomach.
She had made the bargain boldly, demanding time to know him first, yet now that time felt fleeting.
Two outings stood between her and surrender, and she could not decide whether she feared it or longed for it more.
Ian’s dark gaze and rough voice haunted her in ways both troubling and thrilling.
A sharp knock startled her from her thoughts. Her heart leapt foolishly, and she smoothed her hair, half-expecting him to step inside unannounced.
“Come,” she called, trying to sound composed.
The door opened to reveal Melissa instead, her hair braided neatly over one shoulder.
“Evenin’, me lady,” Melissa said warmly. “Is there aught ye need afore bed?”
Arianna hesitated, then nodded. “Aye. The Laird is takin’ me on an outing tomorrow, but I daenae ken where.”
Melissa’s brows lifted with interest. “Is that so?” she said, stepping further into the room. “Then we shall find ye a versatile wardrobe.”
Arianna smiled faintly. “Versatile?”
“Aye,” Melissa replied briskly, already crossing to the wardrobe. “Somethin’ fit for ridin’, but fine enough should he surprise ye with somethin’ grander.”
They began pulling gowns from their hooks, laying them across the bed in a cascade of wool and silk.
A deep green riding dress was held up against Arianna’s frame, then set aside in favor of a sturdy blue one trimmed modestly at the sleeves.
Melissa fetched a heavy riding cloak lined with fur, along with sturdy gloves and polished boots.
“If he takes ye beyond the gates, ye’ll be glad for the cloak,” Melissa said. “The wind’s been sharp of late.”
“Ye speak as though ye ken his mind,” Arianna teased.
Melissa laughed softly. “Nay, but I ken men well enough. If he’s callin’ it a surprise, he’s put thought into it.”
Arianna’s fingers traced the fabric of the blue gown. “He has been… different than I expected.”
“In what way?” Melissa asked, folding the green dress away.
“He teaches me things,” Arianna admitted quietly. “He doesnae treat me as though I’m made of glass.”
Melissa glanced at her knowingly. “And does that please ye?”
Arianna felt heat creep into her cheeks. “Aye,” she confessed. “More than it should.”
Melissa smiled, softer now. “There’s naught wrong with admirin’ yer husband.”
“He’s nae easy to admire,” Arianna murmured, though her tone lacked conviction. “He’s scarred and fierce, and when he looks at me…”
“When he looks at ye?” Melissa prompted gently.
Arianna swallowed. “’Tis as though I’m the only soul in the room.”
Melissa gave a quiet hum of approval. “That’s nae a curse, me lady. Many women would envy it.”
They finished arranging the chosen garments neatly upon a chair for the morning. Melissa helped Arianna unlace her gown, fingers deft and practiced as the heavy fabric slipped from her shoulders. The cool air brushed her skin, and she shivered slightly.
“Are ye afraid of him still?” Melissa asked carefully.
Arianna paused before answering. “Aye… and nay,” she said honestly.
Melissa nodded thoughtfully as she handed her the nightshift.
Once Arianna was dressed for bed, Melissa poured fresh water into the wash basin. Arianna dipped the cloth into the cool water, washing her face and hands, trying to calm the restless energy beneath her skin.
“He looks at ye as though he’d fight the devil himself for ye,” Melissa added softly.
Arianna’s lips curved despite herself. “He’d likely win,” she said.
“I believe he would,” Melissa agreed with a grin.
“Me Lady,” Melissa said.
“Aye?” Arianna asked softly.
Melissa gave a nervous little laugh.
Arianna tilted her head. “What is it?”
Melissa hesitated only a moment longer. “I’m with bairn.”
For a heartbeat, Arianna simply stared at her. Then joy lit her face. “Oh, Melissa!” she exclaimed, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around her friend. “That is wonderful news!”
Melissa laughed softly as she returned the embrace. “I thought ye might say so.”
Arianna pulled back, her eyes shining. “Does Flynn ken about it?”
“Aye,” Melissa said with a fond smile. “He near lifted me clear off the ground when I told him.”
“I can imagine,” Arianna said warmly.
Arianna studied Melissa’s glowing expression and felt a quiet warmth bloom in her chest.
A child. A small life growing within the castle walls.
The thought stirred something deep within her.
“I am truly happy for ye,” Arianna said.
Melissa reached out and squeezed her hand. “Thank ye, me Lady.”
Arianna felt a strange tug of longing settle quietly in her heart. She pictured a small child with dark hair and bright, curious eyes running through the castle courtyard. She imagined tiny hands gripping her fingers, laughter echoing through the halls.
A bairn of me own.
The thought lingered longer than she expected. Her heart tightened slightly.
What am I waiting for?
Why must everything between her and Ian be so complicated? They had begun to get to know each other, something warm and hopeful.
Melissa glanced toward her gently. “Ye’re quiet.”
Arianna forced a small smile. “Only thinking.”
“About what?”
Arianna hesitated before answering. “About how life rarely unfolds the way we expect.”
Melissa studied her carefully but did not press further. Instead, she squeezed Arianna’s hand once more.
“Aye,” she said softly. “But sometimes it turns out better than we hoped.”
After tidying the room, Melissa gave a small curtsey. “Sleep well, me lady. Ye’ll need yer rest.”
“Thank ye, Melissa,” Arianna replied warmly.
When the door closed, silence returned once more. Arianna slipped beneath the covers, staring up at the dim canopy above her bed. Her thoughts drifted inexorably to Ian, his broad shoulders, his rough hands guiding hers, the heat in his single brown eye.
She turned onto her side, drawing the blanket closer as though it might quell the ache building low in her belly. The third outing loomed ahead like a threshold she both feared and yearned to cross.
Tomorrow would be another outing, and she realized, with a quiet thrill, that she no longer wished to resist it.