“But of course! We have overlooked the formality of introduction. May I present myself, Lord Niall MacCraggan, at your service.”
He bowed.
“Then of course you know who I am,” Beatrice said, “without my telling you. It was most gracious on the part of your brother to have sent you to meet me.”
Lord Niall’s dark eyes met hers.
“No one has sent me. In truth my brother has no knowledge of my intention to intercept your Ladyship.”
“Really?”
Beatrice’s surprise was not simulated.
“No, I wanted to meet you, Lady Wrexham, but above all things I wanted to talk with you before you reached Skaig. I think there is much that we might say to each other – of advantage to both.”
Beatrice’s eyes narrowed. There was a hidden meaning in his voice and it did not escape her.
“Shall we dine first?” she
