Page 190 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Dragon’s Lair. So she knew the name the Highlanders called Dunfrey Castle.

“Who knows what might have happened had you spoken with my grandfather?” she said.

“I did speak with him—though not on bended knee.”

Her brows dove down in a frown, then she shot to her feet. “So he tried to marry me to Jacobus. What did ye expect? Sweet Jesu, you took possession of my home before even meeting me.”

“That is not why Seward tried to marry you to Melrose,” he replied. “Nothing I could have done would have changed things for the better. You know as well as I that had I not reached you in time, Edward would have viewed your marriage to Melrose as a defiance that could not go unchecked.”

“So your brother kidnapping me was to be expected?”

“Nay. I had no idea he was even in Scotland. Had I known...” Talbot released a breath. “Perhaps over time, you will be able to forget, but I do not expect you to forgive me.”

Her mouth parted in obvious surprise.

“Aye, Lady, I know this is my fault.”

“I-I didna’ say that,” she whispered.

“You did not have to.”

She sat back down, and he caught the flick of her eyes toward his chambers. She worried he was about to claim his husbandly rights. That was something he had yet to deal with. Thankfully, a hard rap on the door interrupted.

“Enter,” Talbot called.

The door opened and Baxter stepped into the room. “Lady Rhoslyn has a visitor.”

“Another visitor? Who?” Talbot demanded.

Baxter’s gaze cut to Lady Rhoslyn. “Her intended husband.”

“Speak of the devil,” Talbot murmured.

“Jacobus?” Rhoslyn asked.

“Aye,” Baxter replied. “The Earl of Melrose. You remember him, the man you tried to marry while you were married to Talbot?”

“You will remember that Lady Rhoslyn is my wife, Baxter,” Talbot said.

Baxter’s eyes jerked onto him. His mouth thinned, but he gave a brusque nod.

“What does Melrose want?” Talbot asked.

“He is demanding to see Lady Rhoslyn. Her grandfather is with him in the great hall.”

Rhoslyn rose. “I will speak with him.”

“I will speak with him,” Talbot corrected.

“I do no’ want him harmed,” she said.

“As long as he causes no trouble, he will not be harmed.”

She heaved a sigh. “I am in no mood to argue.”

“Good.”

She shook her head. “Ye misunderstand. I am in no mood to argue, but I doesna’ mean I will take orders. Jacobus came peaceably through our gates. I will see him.”