She blinked. “Second? And where are we goin’?”
“That,” he said, standing from the table, “is a surprise.”
“I daenae like surprises,” she called after him lightly.
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.
