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“My lord,” the steward of Glenhaven, a man who had served his clan since well before Niall had been born, greeted them.

Niall dismounted and prepared to introduce his wife and steward to each other.

“This is Angus,” Niall said, not wishing to let go of his wife’s waist but knowing he must for now. “A loyal and trusted member of Clan Duncraig and steward of Glenhaven Manor. Do not allow his gruffness to hide his kind heart. None care more deeply for the people here than Angus.” He did not care the steward now gave him a look of reproach for admitting such a thing to Lina.

Niall relied on that kind heart now. None had a reputation quite like Angus here at Glenhaven, and his opinion of Lina would be important.

“Angus,” he said, aware they now had an audience. “I am pleased to introduce you to my wife, Lady Avelina MacKinlay, sister to the chief of Clan MacKinlay.”

Angus blinked.

Gasps and whispers told Niall all had heard his words. He would have them know immediately and also understand she was his bride by choice.

“I have a great affection for the woman by my side, now the lady of Glenhaven, and know you will too.”

Angus bowed. “I am certain of it,” he said finally. Standing, he addressed Lina. “Welcome, my lady, to Glenhaven. I would be pleased to offer you a tour if my lord wills it?”

Niall would very much like to give his wife a tour himself, but having her be in Angus’s company would serve them more.

“My lady?” Niall asked her.

“I would very much enjoy that,” she said.

“Very well.” Angus offered her his arm. “We will see to your belongings. My lord, the evening meal is being prepared. I shall escort your wife there upon the conclusion of our tour. Unless of course,” he said to Lina, “you would prefer to be taken to your chamber first?”

“Just briefly,” she said, “so that I may change my gown.”

“Of course. You travel with no lady’s maid?”

“I do not,” Lina said. “Though I do hope my maid will be joining me here soon.”

“You remain at Glenhaven for. . .” Angus trailed off.

“Permanently,” Niall added. Even if his father did welcome them in his hall, it would be here they would reside.

Angus’s smile at that could not be contrived. He seemed truly glad to hear the news.

“Very good, my lord.” And then he asked Lina, “Shall we?”

Before Niall could even properly bid his wife adieu, Angus had whisked her off. Lina was now greeting well-wishers who seemed alternatively cautious and, some of them, pleased. He had no doubt it did matter that she was a MacKinlay. But just then, it seemed to matter less than he expected, and much less than his father or Lina’s brother would have them believe.

Smiling at the thought, Niall grabbed the reins of his horse intending to stable him himself. Perhaps all would be well here, and Lina would be welcomed the way she deserved.

“A MacKinlay,” someone muttered behind him.

When Niall turned to uncover the culprit, none gave themselves away.

He could question them and discover who said it. Instead, Niall walked away.

Or perhaps, her welcome would not be what he’d hoped for.

* * *

“I would speak to you, my lord.”

The day had gone better than expected. Aside from the one comment when they’d arrived, Niall had heard no other unkind remarks about his wife, and during the evening meal, he’d spied nothing out of the ordinary.

It seemed as though Lina, as a MacKinlay, did not matter to his people here, but Niall also knew most would not dare anger him by being openly hostile.