CHAPTER 76

She lifted her eyebrow. “Are you offering?”

He frowned deeper. “Aye. I know ’tis overwhelming and the talk will be of Alan’s marriage on the morrow. But I don’t think you should spend the eve alone in your chamber.”

Her expression softened and she smiled up at him.

“For God’s sake, just don’t cry,” he grumbled.

She smothered her laughter. “I’d be happy for your escort.”

He held out his arm and stared pointedly at her.

The evening meal was noisy and boisterous, and it lasted long into the night. The high table was filled with lairds of surrounding clans, all jockeying for favor with the king.

Rachael looked bored and restless as she sat between Alan and her father. Mary looked as though she’d tip over at any moment, until Edward put his arm around her and pulled her into his side, obviously uncaring of proprieties.

Caleb sat next to Keeley and quietly observed the hubbub around him. Though not talkative, he did lean in on more than one occasion and ask Keeley how she was faring.

His co