She gave him a pointed look. “It is well cared for, nae spoiled.”
He stepped closer, glancing down at the rabbit. “Aye, well, I cannae fault kindness.” Then his expression shifted, turning more purposeful. “Prepare yerself, Arianna. Our third outing will be tomorrow.”
Her head snapped up. “Tomorrow?” she echoed, her voice rising. “So soon? We’ve just had one.”
“The timin’ isnae up to me,” he replied evenly. “A travelin’ troupe has arrived in the village. They’ll perform but a few days before movin’ on.”
Her eyes widened, the nerves momentarily replaced by excitement. “A troupe?” she breathed. “I havenae seen one since I was a bairn.”
Ian’s mouth curved faintly at her reaction. “Then this shall delight ye, even if it is so soon.”
She searched his face, noting the mischievous glint in his eye.
“Ye look as though ye’re plottin’ somethin’,” she said cautiously.
He only shrugged. “I always am.”
With that, he inclined his head and turned toward the door. “Be ready at after breakfast,” he added before slipping out.
Arianna remained still long after he had gone, the bunny forgotten in her lap. Tomorrow would be the third outing. And after that, she would be bound to uphold her end of the agreement, a thought that filled her with equal parts dread and longing.
The next morning dawned bright and restless, and Arianna stood in front of her mirror while Melissa laced her gown with careful hands.
“Hold still, me lady,” Melissa murmured, tugging the laces firm. “If ye keep twistin’ so, I’ll never have it straight.”
“I am holdin’ still,” Arianna insisted, though her fingers fidgeted in the silk at her waist. “It’s only…” She hesitated, catching Melissa’s knowing look in the mirror. “Nothing.”
Melissa’s lips curved in a soft smile. “Aye, I ken well what yer thinking.”
“Ye do?” Arianna was confused.
“Aye, yer nervous about spending time with yer husband.” She tied off the laces neatly and smoothed the fabric down Arianna’s back. “Ye look beautiful.”
Arianna exhaled slowly. “Right of course. Me nerves are restless.”
Melissa stepped around to face her, adjusting a loose curl near her temple. “Are ye afraid of him still?”
“Nay,” Arianna answered at once, the word firm and certain. “That’s what troubles me.”
Melissa laughed quietly. “Then ye’ve nothin’ to fear.” She clasped Arianna’s hands gently. “Flynn says the laird has been near insufferable these past days, stridin’ about as though the walls were closin’ in.”
Arianna blinked. “He has?”
Melissa nodded. “Aye. A man can only be so patient, and this man seems to enjoy yer company.”
Heat crept into Arianna’s cheeks. “Melissa,” she whispered, mortified.
Melissa only grinned. “Go on with ye. Let the man look at ye and be struck speechless.”
Arianna left her chamber with her heart pounding and crossed into the courtyard. To her surprise, a polished carriage waited at the gates, its dark wood gleaming in the sun. Ian stood beside it, dressed in deep green, his posture straight and commanding.
She slowed her steps, confusion flickering across her face. “A carriage?” she asked as she approached. “Have the horses offended ye?”
Ian’s mouth curved faintly as he offered her his hand. “Nay. But this is our final outing.” His voice lowered slightly. “I’d have ye comfortable.”
Her breath caught at the weight beneath his words. Comfortable for what would follow was what he meant, and she understood perfectly. She placed her gloved hand in his and allowed him to help her inside, her cheeks warming despite the breeze.
“Ye didnae need to do this,” she murmured once they were seated opposite one another.
