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Reid and his brother sounded so similar, and for a moment, Allie thought it might be her husband behind her.

Trying not to appear disappointed, she greeted Toren, who slipped his arm around his wife’s waist.

“Who are they?” Juliette asked.

“Can you not tell by his size?”

Two men broke away from the others, dismounted, and began to walk toward them. Indeed, one of the men was as large as Graeme.

As he approached, Juliette’s eyes widened.

“Did you know he was coming?” she asked Toren.

“Who is it?” Allie asked, still not recognizing the men.

“Nay, he’d not sent word. I was warned just as we finished the midday meal. You and Allie had already left for your walk.”

Allie smiled. The poor man did not know if he should concur with the midwife or Juliette.

“At least we did not get far,” she offered. They’d only taken a few steps away from the keep before the newcomers made their approach.

She could see the tall man’s face clearly now. And suddenly, Allie wished she did not know his identity.

“He looks quite unhappy,” she whispered to Juliette.

“Always,” Juliette said.

Allie resisted the urge to take a step backward.

“Lady Allie,” Toren said as he approached. “Will you please tell my brother we have a visitor?”

“Of course,” she hurried to answer, anxious to get away from the newcomer.

She nearly laughed at the way that sounded, as if this ferocious-looking man were here to dine with them, perhaps listen to a minstrel’s tale. Nay, whoever he was, this man was here for a very specific purpose. One she hoped did not involve Reid.

“I will tell him Douglas is here.”

And before she could appear rude by not greeting him, Allie turned in the direction of the training yard to find Reid.

James Douglas, Lord Warden of the Eastern Marches, was here at Brockburg.

So many questions floated through her mind, but only one truly mattered.

Was Reid’s arrest the reason? Oh God, please no.

* * *

Reid handed the broadsword to Ansley. Each day the armorer left his shop to visit the training yard to “see his weapons at work.” He also maintained the weapons. He would oil Reid’s sword and return it to him on the morrow. On a typical day, Reid spent most of his time out here in the yard, training himself and the men.

But today was no ordinary day.

“Where are we going?” Aidan asked.

Graeme’s brother had traveled to Brockburg with him for the wedding. Reid knew he owed the man a great debt for his role in bringing him and Allie together. He’d thought of the perfect way to repay him, and it was Ansley who had helped him carry out his plan.

Reid raised his chin in question to the armorer, who nodded in return.

Good. It was ready.