Aiden motioned for Katie to sit first and then took his place next to her, his face refusing to convey the happiness glimmering in his eyes.
“Ah, Sister,” came the voice of a young man. He bowed to Katie before he took the seat next to her. “We’re delighted to finally meet ye. Me braither has spoken highly of ye. Me name is Oliver.”
Katie managed a grateful smile, though she was taken aback by the genuine warmth in his voice. “Thank you, My Laird. It’s a pleasure to be here.”
Aiden’s brothers were both equally charming. Oliver, a tall man with a jovial disposition, raised a toast to Katie as his mother approached and Aiden’s youngest brother followed close behind.
“To our new sister-in-law,” Oliver said with a grin. “May ye find as much joy in this family as we find in havin’ ye here.”
The room erupted in applause, and Katie blushed, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice soft. “I’m honored to be welcomed so warmly.”
“Dinnae let his honeyed words fool ye, Me Lady.” The youngest brother smiled. “I’m Gregor, and I’ll tell ye the truth—Oliver always talks to young ladies this way, so dinnae believe a word he says.”
“Me sons are competitive.” Griselda smiled, sitting next to Aiden, with Gregor next to her. “And have a weakness for ladies, it would appear.”
“Our Laird has a keen eye for beauty and value,” Oliver teased, and Aiden shot him a warning look.
“One of his redeeming qualities,” Katie commented, taking a sip from her cup. She didn’t miss the curious look his mother gave her.
Throughout the evening, Katie found herself engaged in conversations with Aiden’s family and council members. They spoke of the history of the estate, their land, and the traditions of their clan. His mother told stories of their family’s long lineage, recounting tales of battles and triumphs, while his brothers shared amusing anecdotes and memories from their childhood.
Katie was genuinely touched by their kindness and interest. They inquired about her life in London, and she found herself answering their questions with more ease than she had expected. The family’s warmth was a stark contrast to Aiden’s aloofness.
The conversation turned to the estate itself, and Aiden’s mother described the renovations they had recently done. “The landaround us is truly magnificent,” she said, her eyes shining with pride. “We’ve worked hard to maintain its beauty and to honor the legacy of our ancestors.”
Aiden’s brothers chimed in, talking about their favorite spots on the estate.
“The huntin’ grounds are exceptional,” Oliver said. “And the glen just beyond the forest is perfect for a peaceful stroll.”
Katie listened with interest, but as the evening progressed, she couldn’t help but notice Aiden’s persistent silence. He barely spoke, and when he did, it was only to answer questions or make brief comments. His lack of engagement was conspicuous and was starting to cast a shadow over the otherwise pleasant evening.
“Me Lady,” Aiden finally spoke, turning to her. “I would like to introduce ye to some of me councilors and their wives.”
“Yes, My Laird,” she spoke softly, already exhausted.
He escorted her from the high table and took her to the nearest man dressed in expensive fur and a colorful tunic. An equally richly dressed woman was standing beside him. They bowed as Aiden and Katie approached.
“Me Laird. Me Lady,” the man greeted.
“This is me friend, Laird McKay, and his wife,” Aiden introduced with a kind smile.
“It is a pleasure.” Katie offered her hand, smiling kindly at the councilman’s wife.
“The pleasure is all ours, Me Lady.” He bowed. “Ye’re as lovely as we’ve heard.”
“More lovely, in fact,” came another man’s voice. He had bright red hair, and his pale blue eyes twinkled with kindness. “Me Laird. Me Lady…”
“Ah, my concilor, Mr. Foster and his wife,” Aiden introduced.
“And this is me daughter, Mary.” Mr. Foster gestured to a striking redhead with delicate curves and pale skin. Her eyes were fixed on Aiden, but he only had eyes for Katie before turning to the other man.
“Good to see ye again, Me Laird,” Mary spoke in a melodic voice.
Katie could see the way she looked up at him, the blush on her cheeks and the recognition in Aiden’s eyes.
“Ye as well, Mary.” Aiden nodded.
