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asked, keeping a wary distance from the irate woman.
    “Alyce. I raised Blair from the time she was a wee bairn. I know her better than anyone in this world, and I am telling ye she isna a witch.”
    Graeme moved to intervene before Blair’s pugnacious defender attacked Stuart. “Do me a favor and find Maeve, Uncle. Chambers need to be prepared for Blair and Alyce, and I want to introduce Maeve to her new mistress. I’ll explain everything to you later. We’re all tired from the long ride and in need of food and baths.
    “Maeve is the housekeeper,” he said in an aside to Blair. “She and her husband Jamie have run the fortress since my father’s time.”
    “Are ye looking for me, laird?”
    An elderly woman with iron-gray hair, full figure and eyes as blue as Graeme’s bustled over to join them.
    “Aye, Maeve,” Graeme said. “I want to introduce you to your new mistress.” He pulled Blair forward. “Greet my wife, Blair MacArthur.”
    Maeve stared at Blair, then hastily crossed herself, her lips moving in silent prayer. “Ye’ve gone and done it now, Graeme Campbell. Have ye taken leave of yer senses? Ye have wedded yerself to a witch.”
    Once again Alyce flew to Blair’s defense. “Mind yer tongue, woman! My lass isna a witch. If ye know what’s good for ye, ye’ll spread the word to yer kinsmen. My lass is the mistress here and—”
    “Leave off, Alyce,” Blair said gently. “I can fight my own battles.” She smiled at Maeve. “I’m sure Maeve and I will get along just fine. I am a healer, Maeve, and I hope my skills will prove useful to my husband’s kinsmen. I can prepare infusions, herbals, salves and simples for their ills and injuries.”
    Maeve didn’t look convinced, though she put on a brave face. “Aye, mistress, if ye say so. If ye’ll excuse me, I’ll see to yer food and bath.” She scooted off as fast as her plump legs could carry her.
    “Wait for me,” Alyce said, hurrying after Maeve. “I will help prepare Blair’s food.”
    “Your people fear me,” Blair said.
    “ ’Tis unfortunate,” Graeme agreed, “but their opinion can be changed. ’Tis up to you to show them you are naught more than what you claim.”
    “What about you, Graeme Campbell? Do you believe I am what I claim?”
    Blair didn’t need to hear his answer—the purple aura emanating from him spoke louder than words. Purple was the color of doubt and confusion. He feared her and was confused about his own feelings concerning their marriage.
    Their relationship was doomed even before it began.

Chapter Three
    “Would you like to eat before you bathe?” Graeme asked when the silence between them lengthened. “Your trunks haven’t arrived yet, but they should be here soon.”
    “Aye,” Blair answered. “I will bathe when I have clean clothing to change into.”
    Stuart chose that moment to return with another man in tow.
    “This is Jamie,” Graeme said, “Stonehaven’s steward. You can depend on him and his wife Maeve for whatever you need.”
    Blair prepared herself for another rejection by Graeme’s kinsmen and was pleasantly surprised when Jamie offered her a warm smile of welcome.
    “So our laird has finally taken himself a wife,” the elderly man chuckled. “ ’Tis about time. Welcome, my lady. I will help ye acquaint yerself with Stonehaven.”
    “Thank you, Jamie,” Blair said. She sent a sidelong glance at Graeme. “I fear I shall need all the help I can get.”
    “Yer chamber is prepared,” Jamie said. “Ye must be exhausted. I’ll have Maeve fix ye a tray so ye can eat in yer room, if ye’d like.”
    “That would be wonderful, Jamie. Food, a bath and a good night’s sleep are all I shall require tonight.”
    “I’ll show you the way,” Graeme said, guiding Blair from the hall toward a steep flight of stairs.
    A lump formed in Blair’s throat. Did Graeme expect to consummate their wedding vows tonight? She sincerely hoped not. What he had begun last night had