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"I wish to know your response. You've had time to think on it and have now seen my daughter.” Although he seemed relaxed, Declan could see tightness around his mouth. The laird was not keen on marrying off the lass. No doubt his wife pressured him into it.

"What are your daughter's feelings on the subject?" he asked. Astonishment crossed the McNeil's face. "Is she willing to marry me?"

"She will do as told. Although she is headstrong, Elsbeth agrees her time for marriage and children is at hand."

Declan glanced to see that Ian walked about the room, the fair Elsbeth on his arm. Her face was animated, as he seemed to regale her with one of his exaggerations no doubt. "She is fair, I am not against marrying, but ask that you give me time. Perhaps she can remain as my guest for a few days, with her maid, of course."

"Of course."

Chapter Seven

The Gordon property loomed ahead. The gray, stone structure was much bigger than her own home. Meredith took in the surrounding land. Quite familiar with the area and some of the villagers, she didn't feel a stranger upon riding through. Now, however, about to enter the courtyard, she did. Never had she been there before, nor expected to come.

Aiden sat tall in his saddle, his eyes moving to her every once in a while. "It is not to your death that you're headed. Try not to look as though."

It was hard to bite back a retort, but she did. She could not accuse Aiden of mistreatment or of being a bad brother. He'd been more than patient with her and given her every freedom. Now at twenty, she was well past marrying age. Although she'd hoped for a love match when the second chance at marriage presented itself, it was understandable that he not give her more time.

With a resolved sigh, she squared her shoulders and held her head high. It was not the time to show any kind of weakness. She was a proud Stuart. Spine straight, she followed slightly behind her brother's steed into the courtyard.

Young lads came forward to greet them and hold the horses whilst she and her brother dismounted. The guardsmen moved to stand behind them as they waited for the laird’s appearance.

A lone guard walked towards them. Of fine form with broad shoulders and dark eyes, he looked every bit a warrior.

His eyes focused on her for only a second before his attention went to her brother. "Welcome to Moriag. I am Dugan Gordon, cousin to the laird." He gave a slight bow and waited for introductions.

Aiden returned the head bow. "Aiden Stuart, Laird of Torraibh. May I present my sister, Meredith."

The man's lips curved when he regarded her. "Follow me inside, please.” The warrior turned and walked, assuming they'd follow.

The interior of Moriag Keep shocked Meredith. The décor and beauty of the furnishings were all in good taste. Several bright tapestries hung on the walls, each depicting colorful themes of hunts and foliage.

She was not surprised to find they were amongst several families seeking audience with the new laird.

The golden-haired devil sat upon the high board presiding over the room like a royal. He seemed to grow more annoyed with each passing minute, his gaze constantly going to the doorway, as if expecting someone to enter and rescue him from the room. Because of Aiden's social standing, they were escorted to the front of the room and were given two seats. The laird's gaze went to them, but only for a moment, as he listened to a dispute between two farmers.

Finally it was Aiden's turn. Meredith's face burned with humiliation at her brother's request being spoken out loud for all to hear. Village folks mingled in the room, curious glances moving from her to Aiden and then to the laird.

"My Laird," Aiden began. "I am Aiden Stuart, Laird of Torraibh, and this my sister, Meredith. I come to pledge my family's allegiance to yours."

Meredith inhaled, not wanting to roll her eyes at the formalities of men. Both males knew neither would save the other from any type of danger. Unless, of course, it benefited them in some way.

The laird looked at her with open curiosity. "I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, lass."

"Laird." She curtsied and the laird bowed his head in acknowledgement.

His next words saved her the humiliation she'd been dreading. "Please join me for mead and the evening meal." The laird motioned for several maids to come forth, as well as a guard who announced the hearings for the day were over. Several families were invited to remain for the meal along with two men who she recognized as village farmers.

Aiden gave her a puzzled look. "Interesting, he invites us to sup without first hearing what we come for?"

"You just pledged your loyalty, so perhaps he wishes to ask something of you in return."

Just as she and Aiden settled at the high board, to the left of the laird, Elsbeth McNeil entered the room. She was escorted to sit on the right side of Laird Gordon and Meredith pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. So there was competition for the laird's attentions. She'd make sure not to put much effort into getting to know the man. Aiden, as always, read her mind and leaned forward to glare at her.

"Lady Stuart, I take it you know our guest, Lady McNeil?" The laird motioned to the woman who nodded at Meredith in acknowledgement.

"Hello, Elsbeth." They'd met before, but Elsbeth had always been a quiet girl, rarely leaving her keep.

Elsbeth smiled in return, then turned her attention to the laird beside her.