“Careful, lass,” he teased. “I’ve a strong brew here.”
She lifted the cup in challenge. “I can manage.”
“Aye, let's see if ye can.”
When their plates were cleared, and the fire burned lower, Ian rose from his chair. Mr. Gowan hurried over once more, wiping his hands. “I trust it was to yer satisfaction?”
“It was,” Ian replied, placing several coins upon the table.
Mr. Gowan shook his head quickly. “Nay, Laird, I cannae take that. Yer presence is honor enough.”
Ian’s brow furrowed. “Ye’ll take it,” he said evenly. “Good food deserves good coin.”
“But…”
“Gowan,” Ian interrupted, his tone firm but not harsh, “I insist.”
The tavern keeper hesitated before nodding gratefully and accepting the payment. “Thank ye, sir.”
Ian gave a short nod and offered his arm to Arianna. As they crossed the tavern floor, the patrons once again stood and bowed their heads in respect.
Outside, the air felt crisp and clean after the warmth within. Ian led Arianna slowly along the main path of the village, lanterns flickering against stone walls. She leaned slightly closer to him as they walked.
Her gaze drifted toward a large stone building beside the church. “What is that?” she asked curiously.
He followed her line of sight. “That’s the clan’s orphanage.”
She slowed her steps. “An orphanage?” she repeated softly. “I’ve never seen such a large building for children without families.”
“The children are important,” Ian said. “They should be given every comfort we can provide.”
She looked up at him, something tender in her expression. “’Tis generous of ye.”
He gave a noncommittal shrug, though his chest tightened. He remembered cold rooms and colder words from a father who had ruled through fear and cruelty. He remembered hunger, loneliness, and the sharp sting of disappointment. It was because of that past that he ensured no child under his land would suffer the same, and the orphanage also shelteredrunaways who needed refuge, though he did not speak of that now.
“I’d like to visit them sometime,” Arianna said gently. “If that would be allowed.”
He studied her face, searching for doubt or hesitation, and found only sincerity. “I’ll arrange it,” he answered.
Her smile bloomed bright. “Thank ye, Ian.”
Before he could reply, a small village child darted toward them. “Me lady!” the boy cried breathlessly. “Will ye play?”
Arianna laughed in surprise. “Play?”
“Aye!” another girl chimed in, already tugging at her skirts. “We’re runnin’ fox and hound!”
Ian stepped back slightly as Arianna looked at him for permission. He gave a subtle nod. “Go on then.”
She handed him her shawl and allowed the children to pull her toward the open green. One child covered his eyes and began counting loudly while the others scattered. Arianna ran with them, skirts lifted just enough to keep from tripping, laughter ringing across the grass.
“Hide, me lady!” a wee girl whispered, dragging her behind a low stone wall.
“I cannae hide there,” Arianna whispered back, giggling. “I’m too tall.”
“Then ye must run faster!” the girl insisted.
The boy finished counting and charged across the green, shouting, “Fox, I see ye!” Children shrieked and darted in every direction.
