Swallowing hard, the boy locked an awe-filled gaze on the horse. "Indeed, I will."
"By the way, I own this property, not MacFadden."
The boy's wide eyes switched to Rebbie, then he bowed. "As you say,m'laird."
"Take care of the guards' horses, too."
"I will. My brother will help."
"I thank you." Rebbie handed him the reins and turned to his traveling companions. "Let's go inside and see if we can find our supper." He offered his arm to Calla and she took it. Wishing to keep her wee hand there, he placed his on top of it.
MacFadden stood off to the side, a scowl on his red face.
"Come, MacFadden. We shall eat."
"I-I've already eaten."
"Still." Rebbie nodded toward the entrance. "I wish you to join us." He trusted the whoreson not at all and wouldn't allow him to run off for reinforcements.
MacFadden and the two guards MacGrath had allowed him to borrow followed him and Calla up the steps and into the keep.
Rebbie was glad to see the great hall, though small, was well-cleaned and smelled of fresh rushes and herbs. A few people ate at the lower tables. Judging by their clothing, they were servants or guards. No one sat at the high table and only one trencher remained there.
He cut a glance at MacFadden. He'd instated himself as laird, hadn't he? Rebbie couldn't believe the man's gall.
"Och,m'laird!" a matronly gray-haired woman rushed toward Rebbie. "'Tisglad I am to see you! I feared you'd never return."
Rebbie smiled. "Mistress Hillman." He bowed over the housekeeper's hand and kissed it. "You're as lovely as ever."
"Oh,m'laird, you're naught but a charmer." She blushed and her face lit up with a bright smile. "And you've brought your lady with you. I didn't know you'd married!"
Refusing to look at Calla, Rebbie smiled tightly, feeling conflicted of a sudden. Calla did seem like his lady, but any word relating to marriage made him feel as if he had a noose 'round his neck. "We're not married. I simply rescued her from a band of ruffians and brought her here for safe-keeping until I can stop the knaves. This is the Dowager Countess of Stanbury."
"'Tisa pleasure, m'lady." Mistress Hillman curtsied.
A blush brightening her face, Calla returned the curtsy. "Wonderful to meet you."
Without doubt, she was just as disconcerted by Mistress Hillman's assumption that they were married as he had been.
"How is your father,m'laird?" Mistress Hillman asked.
"Still an ornery rascal." Rebbie grinned. "And how is Master Hillman?"
"Well. He'll be glad to know you're back. Are you visiting or staying permanently?"
"I've not yet decided." He glanced at MacFadden, not wanting him to know his plans.
"Have a seat at the high table and I'll have the maids serve your food forthwith." Mistress Hillman hurried toward the stairwell that led down to the kitchens.
Married? Ha!With a wry grin, Rebbie offered his arm to Calla. How would he feel if Calla were his wife?Saints!A sudden constriction locked around his chest. He didn't mind protecting her and he did enjoy her kisses immensely, but did that mean he wanted to marry her? A lifetime commitment was too much to think about right now.
Her hand felt comforting, wrapped around his elbow as he escorted her to the high table. He pulled out a chair for her and took the one next to it.
MacDadeandMacKinneyclaimed seats at a low table near theirs.
Rebbie would love to have a private conversation with Calla, but MacFadden had not moved from the spot he'd taken up just inside the door. And Rebbie needed to keep the man well within his sights.
"It appears you did not finish your supper, MacFadden. Please join us." Rebbie motioned toward the half-eaten food on the trencher to his right.
