Jessie shrugged. "My stepmother has never enjoyed staying here. For a certainty, I don't enjoy living with her. So 'tis a pleasant arrangement."

Isobel nodded, wondering whether Jessie had been married, or if she planned to marry eventually, but Isobel always hated it when someone asked her about her marital status. "You don't get on well with your stepmother?" Isobel asked instead.

"Nay. And she knows I don't care to be in her company."

Did Jessie know her stepmother had tried to kill Dirk? Or was this a secret he was keeping from her? Isobel would have to discuss it with him before she talked too much. She had never liked gossiping.

"Although she and my mother were friends, I'm starting to think my mother didn't know her very well," Isobel said.

"Aye, likely not. And it irks me to no end that Haldane has gone to fetch her. Maybe she'll freeze into a block of ice before she reaches Durness."

Isobel barely contained the snort of laughter that almost burst out. 'Twas obvious Jessie disliked her stepmother almost as much as Dirk did, yet she was far more candid about it.

"Did you know Dirk was alive all these years?" Isobel asked.

"Nay. It was a complete and wonderful surprise to me! You can't imagine how happy I am to see him again. We were close as wee bairns, probably because our mother died." Jessie shook her head, her eyes taking on a forlorn look. "Well, I know you must be exhausted from all the travel. I'll leave you to rest for a few hours. Supper will be at eight."

"I look forward to it."

With a smile, Jessie exited.

Isobel pulled aside the heavy wool draping the narrow window. Beyond the wavy glass, there was no view to speak of. Just a section of the castle wall and gray clouds moving briskly over the sky. At least they could get a bit of light during the daytime.

She allowed the cloth to drop over the window again and turned to the room where Beitris was attempting to coax more heat from the fire.

How long would she have to stay here? Had she made a mistake by traveling north instead of south? Given the harsh wind and weather, she might have to stay here until spring.

Without doubt, the MacLeods and the MacKenzies would search for her. If she didn't turn up soon, they'd likely think she and Beitris were dead. In one way, Isobel liked the idea they would make such an erroneous assumption. It would mean freedom instead of being forced to marry whichever man her brother ordered her to. Of course, Cyrus and all her brothers would be grief-stricken if they thought her dead. She didn't wish to hurt them, but she would love more independence.

If they found her here, there would be trouble.

Still, she wanted to stay long enough to be sure Dirk was safe from his stepmother and his youngest half-brother.

A few hours later, after Isobel had napped and bathed, a young maid appeared in the doorway. "'Tis time for supper, m'lady. Master MacKay asked that you be seated at the high table with him, Laird MacKay and Laird Rebbinglen."

Isobel nodded, eager to leave the small confines of this room.

When she entered the great hall, all manner of servants and clan members bustled about the four long tables that filled most of the room. She approached the high table on a dais near the fireplace, where Dirk, his brother and Rebbie sat along with a few older clansmen.

Her heart leapt into her throat when her gaze met Dirk's. Why did he cause such turmoil within her? He stood and pulled out a chair for her between himself and Rebbie. He was such a gentleman and always made her feel special. Still, she felt odd being the only woman at the high table. Why was Jessie not sitting here?

"I thank you."

"You're welcome." Dirk's deep voice was comforting, yet formal. She wondered what he hid beneath that layer of controlled reserve. "Was the chamber to your liking?" he asked.

"Aye. I must thank you and your family for finding room for us."

"Good eve, Lady Isobel," Rebbie said with a smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Very well. And you?"

"Marvelous now that I have the privilege of sitting by the loveliest personage present."

Her face heated at such a compliment from the earl. "You are too kind, m'laird."

Jessie rushed in at the last moment and took a vacant seat down the table. Isobel was disappointed to not be able to talk with her during the meal. But Dirk's sister was acting as lady of the castle and directing the servants.

After one of the elder clan members said grace, food was served.

When Dirk noticed the large piece of venison on Isobel's trencher he thought he should offer to cut it for her since her hand was injured. But then Rebbie spoke.

"Let me help you with that, Lady Isobel." Rebbie proceeded to cut her meat into bite-sized chunks.

Dirk's gut knotted, but he had no idea why he should mind Rebbie helping her. What difference did it make? And yet, he felt he'd missed out on something important.

"I thank you, m'laird," she murmured.

"'Tis my pleasure."

Dirk flicked a glare over Isobel's head toward his friend, but Rebbie was busy eating. Forcing his attention back to his own trencher, Dirk took a bite. He felt imbecilic, both for not acting more quickly and for being annoyed. It didn't matter. Isobel was betrothed to another man and would soon be leaving. He'd best not grow too used to her being around. Yet he couldn't deny he relished being in her presence. His body hummed with repressed excitement.

Ever solicitous, Rebbie poured her more wine. "You grew up in Dornie, did you not?" he asked.

"Aye. At Teasairg Castle."

"I have never been to that area."

"'Tis lovely, with the three lochs."

Dirk listened to the exchange going on beside him, feeling like he was eavesdropping on a private conversation. He ground his teeth, then forced himself to take another bite of food. He wasn't hungry and his stomach ached. What the hell was wrong with him?

Rebbie murmured words that Dirk was unable to make out and Isobel giggled.

Dirk's teeth slid together again and he felt like growling. He cleared his throat and took a sip of spiced wine.

"Is everything all right?" Isobel asked, leaning close to his shoulder.

"Hmm? Aye." He caught himself noticing how seductively dark her eyes were in the candlelight. And how her lips were a tempting blush-red color. Damnation, man, get yourself under control.

"You've barely eaten a few bites," she said. Her concern for him sent a warm feeling to the pit of his stomach.

"I'm not hungry," he said a bit more gruffly than he'd meant to.

"He's in one of his moods. Pay him no mind," Rebbie said.

Dirk glared at his friend.

Rebbie's dark brows shot skyward. "What? You ken 'tis true. You get in dark moods sometimes."

Dirk grunted when he wanted to tell Rebbie to mind his own business. "My mood is fine, I thank you," he muttered in a dry tone.

Isobel sent him a fleeting smile then turned back to her venison. He was glad to see she was eating heartily.

He forced himself to take another bite and focus on anything besides Isobel. He glanced down the table toward Aiden. He felt bad for the lad, caught in the middle and being used as his mother's puppet. Maighread might arrive within the next day or two. What would he do then? He couldn't order her to leave until he was chief… if the elders decided in his favor at the hearing. She would most likely be in a murderous rage, but she would hide it well. She always did.

He was momentarily distracted by maids serving strawberry tarts. The one on his trencher smelled good but he had no appetite for sweets now. Isobel bit into hers with relish.