“Joanna, when was it first that you suspected Mater?”
Her eyes snapped up to his, but she said nothing.
“Talk to me, Joanna,” he pressed. “We’re in this together.”
“This is my battle. Not yours.”
“Nay.” He shook his head. “Perhaps that was so before I came up here. But, to the world, at least, I am laird of Ironcross Castle. And now, especially after tonight, it is very much my concern.”
Her eyes flashed. “You have added no obligation because of tonight, but...” She raised a hand to silence his response. “You should be interested in this because of the fire in this room last night. That was no accident, you know. Someone was here. And they tried to kill you.” She looked down for a long moment at the redness of her hands. “You’re correct. Your life is in danger and you do have the righ
