Mama’s sage advice lessened Sorcha’s tension considerably. “I dinna recall Mama ever adding that last bit.”
“It was implied,” Jenny said, then nodded toward the entrance to the hall. “Our guests must be approaching the gates. Yer husband appears to be looking for ye.”
Jenny was right. Sutherland looked as excited as a lad who was about to receive his first horse ride. “Stay close, Jenny. Aye?” She grabbed hold of Jenny’s arm. A deep intake of breath failed miserably at settling her nerves.
“Ye know I will.” Jenny pulled her onward. “On wi’ ye now. Best hurry.”
Sutherland met them halfway and scooped Sorcha’s hands into his. With a tender touch of her cheek, he gave her a quick kiss and whispered, “Dinna fash yerself. I promise they’ll love ye. All will be well. I swear it.”
She found the fact that he read her so easily mildly disturbing. He probably even thought her cowardly, but she would prove him wrong on that count for certain. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Come, husband. We best not keep our guests waiting.”
As they stepped outside and joined her father on the wide top step, their visitors rode into the bailey. An easily recognizable resemblance ran strong through the MacCoinnich men, although Sutherland’s hair was a shade lighter than both his brothers’ black manes. All the men shared the same massive muscular build and carried themselves as warriors ready to battle at a moment’s notice.
Sorcha tensed, locking her smile with clenched teeth that made her jaws ache. The ladies riding beside the men were breathtaking beauties. Sutherland’s brothers would surely think her plain compared to their lovely wives.
“Welcome to Castle Greyloch,” her father called out. “’Tis my pleasure to welcome ye into my home and repay the generous hospitality I received at Tor Ruadh not so many years ago.”
“It is our pleasure to be here, Chief Greyloch,” the man at the front acknowledged. His smile widened as he aimed it at Sutherland. “Especially under such happy circumstances.”
Sutherland pulled her closer as all in the party dismounted and approached the steps. He extended his hand toward the man in the lead. “I give ye my eldest brother, Alexander, chief of Clan MacCoinnich.” His touch remained warm and reassuring at the small of her back as he politely inclined his head toward his brother. “Alexander, I know ye met Chieftain Greyloch before, but I dinna believe ye had the pleasure of meeting his daughter and now my wonderful wife, Sorcha.”
“It is indeed my pleasure, m’lady,” Alexander paired a formal bow with a knowing grin. He ushered forward the flaming-haired beauty at his side. “My wife, Catriona, who, I assure ye, has been champing at the bit to meet the woman finally able to tame my wee brother.”
“Alexander!” Catriona scolded. “Ye dinna talk that way on our first meeting. Give the lass a chance to get to know us first.” She took Sorcha’s hand and squeezed. “Pay him no mind, dear. I am but excited to add another sister and female to our ranks at the keep. Evens out the odds, ye ken?”
“I understand.” Catriona seemed friendly enough and sincere, even though her loveliness was striking. “And it’s my pleasure to meet ye both. As my father said, welcome to Castle Greyloch.”
“And this is Graham, Clan MacCoinnich’s war chief, and his wife, Lady Mercy,” Sutherland said as the second couple approached the steps.
While Lady Catriona’s fine looks were crowned with fiery red hair, Lady Mercy’s tresses were as black and shining as a river of ebony. Her smooth skin rivaled the palest ivory, making Sorcha wish she hadn’t been cursed with such a generous sprinkling of freckles across her own nose. But there was a vacant look in the lovely woman’s eyes, and while she kept one hand on her husband’s arm, she carried an ornate cane in the other, lightly sweeping its tip along the ground beside her. Sorcha suddenly realized that Lady Mercy was blind.
“It is our pleasure as well to be here,” Graham said after a courtly bow.
“Indeed it is,” Lady Mercy echoed with a friendly smile, shocking Sorcha with her English accent. Sutherland’s brother had married a Sassenach?
“Ian and Gretna send ye their congratulations,” Graham added. “And Alasdair, as well. He’s at the keep finalizing a few legal matters before he returns to Edinburgh.”
Ian and Alasdair Cameron were Sutherland’s cousins, who were more like brothers. Alasdair was Clan MacCoinnich’s solicitor, who lived in Edinburgh with his family. Sorcha prided herself on keeping all