"He used to be a MacGregor. Now he goes by Burnside."
"He's trustworthy, then?"
"Indeed." Darack knelt by the fire and added more wood. "I should've asked him for some food for you first."
"Nay, I'm well." She felt safer here than she had outside, but still her stomach knotted. "Do you think Alec will figure out where we've gone?"
"'Tis doubtful. Stop your fashing for a wee bit."
"I told him I wasn't going to marry him, but he wasn't takingnayfor an answer. I hope he didn't injure the two men who defended me. Both Highlanders, bless them. I had never seen them before in my life."
"They were honorable, as most of us Highlanders are." He winked, friendliness lighting his gaze.
"Aye, you are," she murmured. Feeling her face heat at his wink, she glanced down and tried to pretend it hadn't affected her. Blast it, she was not supposed to be attracted to Darack, especially at a time like this. "And I thank you." She looked him in the eye again.
"You're most welcome."
Some tender emotion emanated between them, something she had never felt before, and she was unsure what to say.
A short, plump woman arrived, carrying clothing over her arm. "Aye, there you are, Darack! Good to see you, lad."
"Finola!" He leapt up, hugged her, and spun her around.
"Stop it now, you rogue!" She laughed. "Felix said you needed my help."
He set her to her feet. "Indeed. This is Lady Mairiana."
"An honor to meet you, m'lady." She curtsied. "I'm Finola."
"'Tis my pleasure, Finola." Mairiana stood and gave a brief curtsy.
"As you can see," Darack continued, motioning to her clothing, "she jumped into the harbor."
"Intentionally?" Finola gaped at Mairiana.
"Aye," she admitted. "I was escaping the man I was betrothed to."
"Och." Finola's eyes widened further. "The wedding is off, then?"
"Most definitely."
"Well, you've picked a wicked scoundrel to go on the run with." Finola elbowed Darack in the ribs and grinned. "But a handsome one, at least. You'd best watch him." She winked.
Mairiana blushed, for indeed she did find Darack handsome and was certain he could be wicked when he wanted to be.
Darack snorted and rolled his eyes. "I'm helping her return home. Her brothers are friends of mine."
"'Haps you'll be on your best behavior, then. Out with you now, and I'll help the lady get out of her wet clothes and into these dry ones."
"I thank you, Finola. Come fetch me when you're done." Darack exited into the common room.
"We'll go into the dining room, m'lady." Finola motioned toward the small room off to the side. Once they were inside, she closed the door.
Mairiana removed her wet cloak and left it in a heap on the floor.
"Och. What a fine silk gown!" Finola said. "I hope it isn't ruined."
Mairiana glanced down at the pale blue embroidered material. "As do I, but if it is, no matter. I had no choice but to jump."
