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Something about him was familiar; although, she was sure she’d never seen him in her life.

“May I come in, lass?” he asked.

The sound of his voice was deep, melodic, and very pleasant. She nodded. He came in and sat on the bed next to hers.

“How are ye feeling?” he said.

“I—my head is killing me. Do you know what happened to me?”

“Nae. I found ye in the cellar, looks like ye’ve taken a fall.”

“Oh.” She touched her head again and winced. “Yeah, that sounds about right. I don’t remember…”

“Ye dinna remember how ye fell?”

“No. Actually, I don’t remember anything.”

He frowned, studying her. “Even yer name?”

She shook her head, a cold wave of fear sweeping over her. She didn’t even know who she was.

“Come, lass. What’s yer name?”

“Kate,” she said.

Her hand shot to her mouth.

“Oh! I remembered my name! Kate. Yes, I think it’s Kate.”

“Kate,” he murmured. “A bonnie name. My name is Ian.”

“And you don’t know me at all?” she asked.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Nae, lass, I’m sorry.”

“Someone must know me.”

“Do ye work here as a maid? None of the maids recognized ye, but mayhap ye were new and the steward just hired ye.”

She shrugged. Something about it didn’t sound right to her.

“I’ll go and fetch him. He will ken ye.”

Before she could think, she grabbed his big, warm, callused hand. He turned to her.

“Don’t go,” she said.

Something about him brought comfort and security to her. He was so tall and muscular, and he looked kind. He’d found her. He was trying to help her. He was the only person she knew.

He frowned. “Ye want me to stay?”

“Yes, please. I’m…I’m afraid to be left alone. I don’t know who I am, and I’m not even sure if this is a dream…”

“I’ll be right back, lass. I’ll just find the steward. I promise I’m nae going anywhere.”

He squeezed her hand reassuringly, and she felt better.

“Okay,” she said.