“Which is another reason we have to rescue the lass,” Grant said.

Lachlan chuckled again. “I don’t know, but somehow it seems the scenario has turned upside down, from your wanting her gone to wanting her back. Didn’t Ian warn us about this? What exactly did happen between the two of you that upset her?”

The issue with her grandmother. But he didn’t want to discuss it with his brother.

“Enrick said one of our dogs got loose from the kennel last night. He suspected he entered through the wolf door in the kitchen. Although he wondered if Colleen had encouraged Hercules to come to her room. He smelled beef on the dog’s breath,” Lachlan said when Grant didn’t answer his other question.

Grant frowned. “Besides encouraging the dog to want to stay with her, nothing bad happened, I take it, or I would have heard of it.”

“You were preoccupied with the lass’s whereabouts. But no, he is fine.”

“Where was he?”

“Sleeping beside the lady’s chamber door as if he was guarding it or wanted in. I had a real time convincing him to come with me.”

Had the lass taken steak treats to bed with her? Grant shook his head.

“So you didn’t say before, but how were the sleeping arrangements last night?” Lachlan asked.

Grant had no intention of telling his brother about the noisy pipes scaring the lass. “Just fine.”

“Which is why you slept so late this morning when you never sleep until noon. The lass looked exhausted, dark circles under her eyes, and I suspect she didn’t get a whole lot of sleep either. What were the two of you doing last night?”

“Sleeping,” Grant said in a much too aggressive manner. His brother would know the truth of the matter—Grant only slept that late if he had been up half the night or he was ill.

He would have been sleeping if the lass and then Maynard hadn’t woken him.

“Tell me the truth. Do you think she’ll return to Farraige Castle with us? Or do you think she’ll stay the night in the village?” Lachlan asked.

The truth was, as much as Grant wanted to return her to the castle, he had no idea what he would do if she wouldn’t go along with the idea. Especially if she took Archibald up on his offer and agreed to stay with him.

***

Colleen wasn’t sure what to do. Archibald was still trying to convince her to go with him, even more so now that Grant was on his way.

She finished a lovely meal and sipped on her water, still trying to decide. She did like the idea that she could follow Grant home and not worry about losing her way in the dark. She also had the notion that he might be changing his tune about her residing at the castle. But maybe—just maybe—he would even be better behaved if she stayed the night here. She certainly didn’t want him or his people to believe that he could growl and snarl and dictate what she would or would not do. And that she’d go along with it. Even if he asked very nicely and she agreed to return with him, the situation would appear as though he was in charge and she would meekly acquiesce.

That decided it. She was staying. She reached for her purse to settle her bill, but Archibald quickly paid for it.

“You didn’t have to,” she said, “but thanks so much.”

“I was more than happy to treat you to a meal. Now about your accommodations…” he said.

“I’ll be more comfortable at a place of my own.”

“Which is why you are here and not at your own castle,” Archibald said, his tone challenging, irritated, perhaps a hint of his true nature coming through? She must have looked a little wary as he quickly added, “But all much appreciated as I had your lovely company.”

“Thanks.” She smiled a fake smile. “Yes, well, I have to go to ensure I can find a place that has a room before it gets too late.” The pickings looked slim: small village, one small inn, and just a couple of B and Bs. She hoped that someplace was available, or she wouldn’t have any choice but to return to the castle.

She rose from her seat and said, “Thanks again for dinner. It was nice seeing you.”

“Do you want me to come with you? In case you don’t find an available room?” Archibald asked, hurrying to rise from his chair.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.” She left him then, before he got ideas that she should kiss him good night because he had bought her a meal.

“Call me,” he called after her, “if you have any trouble.”

“Okay,” she said, not intending to, and she got out the door and away from him as quickly as she could. She’d assumed since she’d driven for a couple of hours before she stopped, that Grant would take just as long.

Or maybe not, because she had driven slower, unsure about the roads or where she was going. She glanced at a clock tower. And couldn’t believe it. She’d spent a whole hour and half at the pub? Grant could be here in half an hour or sooner!

She had to hurry.

When she reached the first home turned into a B and B, she found it had no vacancy and had been booked through the end of the month. Disheartened, she feared she’d find the same at the other B and B. Maybe she’d have better luck at the inn.

The next place was another two-story gray stone home converted into a B and B with a pretty yard surrounded by a low, gray stone wall. When she walked inside, a dark-haired lady smiled. “Are you Mrs. Jones?”

“Um, no. I don’t have a reservation. I wondered if I could get a room for the night.”