‘Will you not change your gown now, my lady?’
‘Not now. Tomorrow.’
‘Ah, for the feast.’
‘Just so.’
‘I think you’ll break hearts, my lady.’
Ashlynn smiled wistfully knowing there was one heart at least that would remain for ever out of reach.
Chapter Nine
The Yuletide feast saw the arrival of many guests. Ashlynn had dressed with care for the occasion, donning the forest green bliaut. It was simple and elegant, set off by the soft cream chemise beneath, the combination enhancing the tawny sheen of her hair. With Morag’s help this was now neatly braided down her back with matching green ribbons. A girdle embroidered with brown and gold flowers rode her waist.
Ban, calling in a little later, surveyed her critically. Ashlynn smiled and gave him a twirl. ‘Do you like it?’
‘It’s stunning,’ he replied. Then, glancing over his shoulder, ‘What say you, my lord?’
Iain, who had just appeared in the doorway, stopped in his tracks. For a long moment he surveyed his wife in silence, his gaze missing no detail. In fact he found it hard to tear his eyes away. Ban had not overstated the case; she really was stunning. The new gowns might have cost a small fortune but, looking at the result, it had been worth every penny.
‘I think the assessment quite correct,’ he replied.
There could be no mistaking the expression of warm approval in his eyes or the way they lingered on her figure. For the first time since she had left Heslingfield Ashlynn felt as though some lost part of her had just been restored and it lifted her spirits in an instant. She laughed and swept a low curtsy.
‘I thank you, my lords.’
Ban grinned. ‘Are you ready, Ash? The guests are approaching.’
‘Yes, I just need my cloak.’
She retrieved it from the chair nearby but Iain stepped forward and relieved her of it.
‘Allow me.’
He settled the garment on her shoulders and then fastened the brooch at the front. His hand brushed the neck of her gown, a casual and lightly caressing touch that set her flesh tingling in response. Then he held out his hand.
‘Shall we?’
They descended the stairs and reached the bottom in time to see the riders clatter into the courtyard. Now that they were closer Ashlynn scanned the faces with interest. Counting the servants there were a dozen all told, ranging in age from four to forty. It took her by surprise to see the children among them but it was a pleasant discovery. How long it must have been since Dark Mount had heard children’s voices.
Before she could pursue the thought she became aware that Iain’s attention was not on them but rather on the accompanying adults, and suddenly there was tension in every line of his body. Following his gaze she saw it was fixed on a pretty dark-haired woman. The woman returned his stare for a moment or two and then allowed her male companion to help her from the saddle. Ashlynn had an impression of a burly bearded individual clad in a great fur cloak. For a moment he and Iain faced each other in silence. All around them the others were silent too, as though waiting for something. The tension was almost palpable. Then the newcomer held out his right hand. Iain stepped forward and took it in a firm clasp.
‘It has been a long time, Duncan.’
At this the others relaxed visibly. Ashlynn’s curiosity mounted. She exchanged glances with Ban and saw him raise an eyebrow. Evidently he too was at a loss. Then she turned her attention back to the little scene before them.
‘Aye, it has,’ Duncan replied. ‘Too long, I’m thinking.’ He glanced down at the woman beside him. For a moment she didn’t move, her eyes fixed on Iain’s face. In it Ashlynn saw both wariness and longing. Iain returned her gaze and held it.
‘This is an unexpected pleasure,’ he said.
‘Unexpected I have no doubt,’ she replied. ‘As to the last, I wonder.’
‘Then be in no doubt. You are welcome here, Jeannie.’
Ashlynn’s heart missed a beat. This had to be the mysterious sister he had mentioned before.
‘It is good of you to make the journey in such weather,’ Iain continued.
Duncan snorted. ‘It wouldn’t have mattered if the drifts were five feet deep. Jeannie was determined to come.’
‘I’m flattered.’
‘Aye, you are, you rogue,’ retorted the lady.
Undisturbed by this mode of address, Iain regarded her keenly. ‘Can it be that you have missed me, sweet sister?’
She ignored the gibe. ‘I wanted to know for myself if the rumour I’ve been hearing is true.’
‘Oh, and what particular rumour would that be?’ he replied.
‘The one about you carrying off a beautiful woman and then marrying her. Duncan wouldn’t have it, and I must admit I thought it ridiculous at first, but when I had the story from more than one source I became curious.’ She fixed him with a sharp eye. ‘What have you been up to, brother?’