She gasped and the blankets rustled. “Sorry about that. I’m decent now. I heard a horn last night then horses riding out. Is everything okay?”
He coughed into his fist then brought his gaze back to hers. “A marker was found last eve, one the chief left behind.”
“You’ve found him then?”
“Nay, but one of my men will go in search of him this morn.”
“You didn’t want to go?”
“We have vows to speak.”
“Of course.” She shuffled to the side of the bed, pulled a bundle of clothing off the side table then dove under the blankets with them. Hidden, she dressed. “Although I understand if you must go. He’s your uncle.”
Did she wish to delay their handfast? Or mayhap she was truly offering him this kind consideration. As yet he didn’t know her well enough to guess. “You will speak your vows, as I will. They come first.”
“That’s not what I meant.” She emerged from under the covers, shoved her tangled white-blond tresses from her face and met his gaze. “I actually don’t have an issue with us getting hitch—I mean, handfasted. It’s not like it’s permanent.”
“You truly dinnae mind?” When he’d first arrived at Dunvegan, MacLeod had requested her presence. Anne hadn’t shown herself, and eager to leave, he’d set sail.
“Your mother’s so nice. I can handle whatever time I’ll have here.” She eased her feet to the floor and stood. “I fear we’ve gotten off to a bad start, but I’m here now, and I’m going to make the best of it. So, where do we stand?”
Her words made little sense. Where they stood was perfectly clear. Arms crossed, he strode to her. “Any lies between us are unacceptable. There has never been a sign MacLeod brought you. How did you arrive without an escort, my lady?”
“You think I traveled alone? Without guardsmen?”
“Nay, but there’s no other answer than that.”
She skimmed his forearms then dipped her fingers into the gap where they crossed. “If I told you the truth, you’d have me locked away.”
“I would still have the truth over any lie. I willnae abide my own wife withholding.”
“I barely know you.” She smiled. “Although I gather I soon will.”
“I would never hurt you. You need only speak the truth.” He couldn’t help tracing a finger over her full lower lip. Her beautiful smile caused her dimples to show. “How did you arrive?”
“Just promise me you won’t lock me up if I answer you.” She licked her lips and as she did, her tongue swept over the tip of his finger.
He wanted to capture that tongue and taste her for himself. He cleared his suddenly dry throat. “Aye, you have my word.”
“I didn’t arrive by the usual means.”
Mayhap she needed more encouragement. “The truth will set you free.”
“Usually, but in my case, and in this time, I don’t think so.”
“As my wife, ’tis my duty to protect you.” She was his, and his protection was absolute.
“I haven’t been anyone’s duty in a long time. I don’t expect it from you, no matter the length of time I’m here. All I ask is that we might be friends.”
She wished a friendship? With him? “You ask the impossible.”
“Or possible.” Blue eyes twinkling, she held out her hand as if expecting him to shake it as men did.
Instead he shook his head. His forthcoming bride had strange ways about her.
“Please, I’ll tell you the truth if we agree on a friendship first.” A friendship was what Anne wanted, particularly with this man who would become her husband.
“You jest.” He coughed, rather haggardly.
“No, and we’ve already covered the whole no lying thing. Alex, I could seriously use a friend so far from home. Mary is lovely, but we’ll be wed, and honestly, wouldn’t it be nicer to pass the time enjoying each other’s company? You never know, you may even like me.”
“There’s nay need for it, but if you insist, I’ll offer friendship for the truth.” He caught her hand, brushed a kiss to her knuckles then released her. “How did you arrive at—”
A knock sounded on the door and Mary peeked in. “Oh, sorry to interrupt. Anne, I’ve ordered your bath, and the seamstress is waiting to see to your gown.”
“Come in. Alex was saying hello.”
“Oh, listen to you and your unusual words. Do you mean good morn?”
“I did. I’ve picked up a few new expressions and terms on my journeys, and enjoy using them from time to time.” An adequate explanation, hopefully.
“How wonderful. You must tell me of them when there’s time. Good morn, Alex.” Grinning, Mary played with the white ribbon threaded along the front of her emerald gown. “The fog has cleared, and ’twill be a beautiful day.”
“You appear happy, Mother.”
“Fergus informed me you’d found a marker. He left at first light with another of our best trackers.”
“Aye. We’ll find the chief, and soon.”