Tavish snorted as he read the note over her shoulder. “I do not believe for one moment that ye will be pleased with what your brother has to say.”
“Yes, it is unlikely.”
“This must be a trap of some sort.”
“Perhaps.”
Isla nibbled at her bottom lip, thoughts churning.
Tavish sat down in the chair beside her. “Ye be considering going to him.”
It was a statement, not a question.
Drat this man for knowing her so well.
“I will need to return to Dunmore for a short visit at some point. I would like to pack up my effects—books and gowns and such—and retrieve the jewelry left to me by my mother. Gray will not deny me these things. Moreover, this would be an excellent chance to speak with Matthias about the prospect of investing in our plans for Pennsylvania.”
“I agree with that ye need to return to Dunmore eventually, but I insist on being at your side when ye do.”
“My love, we both know that your presence would only make matters worse. Gray specifically said you are not welcome. I do not want to give him an excuse to have you arrested.”
“Grayburn might hurt you.”
“Tavish, Gray has said the most hurtful, vile things to me over the years—he has battered my heart and soul—but never once has he laid a hand upon me physically. I do not anticipate that will change. But I would not put it past him to harmyoushould you accompany me.”
“He can try.”
“Tavish—”
“Grayburn will attempt to pry us apart.”
“How? He cannot force us to divorce. We are married, thoroughly and utterly.” Her cheeks pinked as she spoke.
Tavish watched her blush spread, a smile tugging at those pillow lips she loved so well. “Recalling our exploits in bed this morning, are ye?”
“Hush!” She pressed a cool hand to her face. “Ye needn’t be so smug.”
“And that’s the thanks I get for my exertions? I do believe the words ye used earlier weremagnificentandremarkable.”
“Tavish!” Isla laughed.
He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I detest the thought of ye enduring something unpleasant when I am not there to aid ye.”
“I know. But please trust me. Gray may bluster and rage, but his words no longer have power to hurt me. In the end, he won’t hold me hostage or lay a finger on me.”
“I wish I could be sure.” He reached for her hand, thumb pressing into the wedding band there.
“Be at ease, Husband. Gray has no say over me in any sense, legal or otherwise. However, I would like to speak with him. I still have concernsabout Malton Hill and how he will see to his responsibilities there once I am gone.”
“Do ye think Gray will neglect your people out of spite?”
It was a fair question.
“No. His quibble is with me, not the people of Malton Hill. His sense of honor will recognize that. My brother isn’t perfect, but neither is he a monster.”
Tavish snorted, clearly disagreeing with her.
“I shall leave this afternoon and send word from Dunmore,” she continued. “If you don’t hear from me by tomorrow morning, by all means, marshal your men and storm my family’s august halls.”
