Chapter Six
“Is there anywhisky in this establishment or shall we go elsewhere?” a loud voice called from the doorway of the Thistle & Pig.
Gunn smiled at the voice he would recognize anywhere and turned to greet one of his best friends and his wife.
“Malcolm. ’Tis great to see ye, brother.”
They closed the distance and clasped in an embrace.
“’Tis been too long.”
“Well, ye’ve been busy acclimating to married life. How’s it treating ye?” Gunn clapped Malcolm on the back. “Speaking of which, where’s Lizzie? Dinna tell me ye have frightened her off already,” he jested.
“Nay, she will be in shortly. After being closed up in the carriage all day, she wanted to enjoy the fresh air for a few minutes.”
As if on cue, the door opened, and Malcolm’s wife, Lizzie, walked in.
“’Tis lo’ely to see ye again, Lizzie.” He bent and kissed her hand.
“Keep your lips off my wife, Burnett,” Malcolm growled, but his mouth tipped up into a smile.
Lizzie laughed. “Ignore him. He gets cranky when he hasna eaten. How are ye, Gunn?” She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Ye look well.”
Gunn harrumphed at her attention.
Lizzie looped her arms around Malcolm’s waist and squeezed. “Dinna give Gunn such a hard time. He works hard.”
“Thank ye, Lizzie. Ye both must be hungry. I’ve had Cook prepare a meal. I’ve also invited someone else to join us, if ye dinna mind.”
Lizzie tilted her head as she studied his face, her eyes narrowing. “Ye’ve invited a lady to join us,” she stated with awe.
“Nay. No’ Gunn,” Malcolm chimed in. “He will be fore’er single. The eternal bachelor.”
Gunn sneered at Malcolm. “Since we are in the company of a lady, I willna say what I’m thinking. But Lizzie is correct. I have invited a lady to join us.”
“Do tell,” Lizzie drawled.
“She’s new in town and needs a friend. I believe ye two will get on well. I’d appreciate it if ye would give her a chance.”
“Of course. I would love to meet her.”
“Splendid. She will be down shortly. Shall we make our way to the dining room?” Gunn waved his palm in the direction that would lead them out of the pub and into the inn.
Lizzie started walking and then spun around, holding her hand up. “One minute. Ye said she will be down. Is she staying at the inn?”
“Good catch, love.” Malcolm nuzzled her neck.
“How are ye two still like this?”
Malcolm chuckled. “We havena been marriedthatlong.”
“Dinna dodge my question, Gunn. She’s here?”
“Aye. She arrived several nights ago.” His brows furrowed with concern.
“I ken that look. Is there something amiss with her?” Malcolm inquired.
“She’s lovely. Sweet natured, but strong. She has her secrets. That’s what I want to talk to ye about after dinner.”
