"Aye," Torr said immediately.
What?Feeling her mouth drop open, Catriona snapped it closed. Had the guard noticed?
"Though she appears none too happy about it, does she?" Torr went on.
The guard laughed.
Catriona forced a smile, hoping the guard didn't figure out what an enormous lie Torr had just told.
The guard locked the small door behind them and motioned to one of the other guards. "Escort Sir Torr and his wife into the great hall and announce them."
"Aye."
They followed the second guard, hanging back several paces.
"Why did you say that?" she whispered.
"What else was I supposed to say?" Torr murmured. "Nay. She's my doxy?"
She gasped. How could he say such a thing?
"We're traveling alone together," he said, lowering his voice. "You ken well what people will assume."
She nodded, a blush burning her cheeks. "So... I'm to tell Elsea and whoever asks that we are wed?"
"Aye."
A thrilling shiver of excitement and daring passed over her skin. "How long shall I say we've been married?" she whispered.
He shrugged. "A month."
How could he be so nonchalant? Did he not know that proclaiming marriage was the same as being married in truth? Though 'twas irregular, many a Highland couple had tied the knot in just that way.
The heavily armed man escorted them into the expansive great hall to announce them in a booming voice. "Sir Torr MacElrath and his wife..." He glanced at Torr.
"Lady Catriona MacCain," Torr told him. The man repeated her name. 'Twas true she would keep the same name even if she were married to Torr.
As to the grand falsehood, she hoped lightning didn't strike them where they stood.
The scent of roast meats made her stomach growl, but worry stole her appetite and replaced it with an ache.
The gentlemen of the clan, the chief's bodyguards, and henchmen turned from their discussion on the opposite end of the long room.
One of the well-dressed, kilted men came forward, smiling. "Cousin Torr! It has been a long time." They shook hands, and Torr introduced her as his wife. "This is Chief William MacAuley, my second cousin."
Feeling incredibly self-conscious, Catriona curtsied. "A pleasure to meet you, m'laird."
As the two men conversed, a dark-haired lady wearing a gorgeous embroidered gown approached. "I'm Lady MacAuley, the chief's wife," she said, smiling warmly. "But you must call me Lenora." She led Catriona away, talking so fast no one could've possibly kept up with the lady's multitude of topics. All Catriona could do was smile and nod.
"I'm so pleased to hear of your marriage to Cousin Torr. And you're of the MacCain clan?" Lenora asked.
"Aye."
"Are you the kin of Brodie MacCain?"
"Indeed. I'm his sister." Catriona forced a rather awkward smile.
"I see." Lenora glanced at the stairwell.
