Once they were back on solid ground and had dressed, they walked home side by side, their connection still lingering but again becoming eclipsed by the complications currently defining their lives.
As they returned to the castle, Aiden became filled with frustration and longing. The moment of intimacy he had shared with Katie at the loch had only intensified the feelings he’d been trying so hard to push aside. His obligation as the Laird superseded his carnal desires, which did nothing to further his commitment to his people.
Giving his head a good shake, he took his leave of Katie and trudged morosely to his study to ruminate over his circumstances in silence.
Katie walked through the courtyard, lost in thought as she tried to reconcile the growing affection she felt for Aiden with the uncertain future that lay ahead. The loch had provided her with a brief yet welcome escape from her turbulent life, but as soon as she’d entered the castle, the gravity of her situation had loomed large once again.
She abruptly noticed a familiar carriage in the yard. As she hurried into the hall, she was greeted by a pair of familiar but troubled faces. Katie rushed to them, eager to embrace her two oldest friends.
She stopped short as she took in the sight of Leah and Daphne standing in the hall, sporting identical looks of betrayal.
Leah, heavy with child, was accompanied by the ever-composed and elegant Daphne. Katie noted that Leah’s gaze was fixed on Aiden, an expression of vexation and hurt on her face.
Leah interrupted their standoff with a sharp and accusatory declaration. “Yourmotherwrote to us about your upcoming wedding, andyoudidn’t think it necessary to do so?!”
Aiden lowered his head sheepishly, and Katie could see that he was struggling to maintain his composure.
“Me letter probably hasnae arrived yet,” he said tersely.
Leah’s eyes narrowed as she looked at him. “When I initially suggested that you meet my friend, I didn’t mean for you to force her into a marriage she doesn’t want.”
Katie stepped forward, her voice quivering as she tried to defuse the situation. “Leah, please! If anything, I forced him into this. It’s not Aiden’s fault.”
Leah’s gaze softened slightly, but her resolve remained firm as she pointed her finger at Aiden. “I don’t care a whit. You are marrying her!”
Katie looked at Leah in shock. “Excuse me?”
Leah produced a letter from Katie’s mother and began to read it, her voice filled with a blend of anger and sadness. “Your mother writes that, after that ball, every scandal sheet was gossiping about you and implying that you and Aiden probably had… premarital relations when you stayed in Scotland for several months.”
Katie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “But I didn’t even know him back then! How could they think that?”
Leah’s expression grew serious. “The damage is done, Katie. If he doesn’t marry you, you’ll likely remain a spinster.”
Katie’s breath caught in her throat as she paced the hall, her mind reeling. “Would that be so bad?” she finally asked, glancing up at them.
Leah’s eyes were sympathetic but resolute. “It will be when you’re disowned by your family. Your mother’s letter also states that your father won’t forgive you for this.”
Katie’s heart sank further as she absorbed Leah’s words. “Papa wouldn’t do that. It’s all my mother’s doing.”
Leah nodded with a look of resignation. “Still, you don’t have many options left. The only way to salvage your reputation is for Aiden to marry you.”
Katie was beside herself, looking from Leah to Daphne for suggestions that did not include marrying Aiden. Her searchinggaze settled on Aiden, who seemed just as confused and hurt as she was.
Why is he so upset? He is getting the best part of this arrangement. He has everything to gain, but I have everything to lose because of this debacle.
Daphne, who had been quietly observing them, interjected gently, “Katie, you can always stay with either of us if things don’t work out here.”
Katie looked at Daphne, grateful but still distraught. “I am thankful for your offer, but that still wouldn’t give me the life I’d hoped for. I want a home, a loving husband, my own household and children…”
“I understand, which is why Aiden will marry you,” Leah insisted, anger flashing in her bright eyes.
Aiden’s expression was a mix of confusion and determination. As he spoke, his voice was measured and stiff. “I cannae and willnae marry someone just to fix a scandal. I’m nae doin’ this because of some rumor or pressure from theton.”
Katie’s eyes were filled with disappointment and confusion as she looked at him. “Aiden, this is not just about you or me. This is about my entire future. I no longer have the luxury of choice.”
Leah’s eyes welled with tears as she spoke directly to Aiden. “You might not care about this, but there are real consequencesfor Katie if you refuse. She will be left with nothing more than a tarnished reputation. You have stolen her future with your schemes, whatever they may be.”
Aiden’s jaw tightened, and his gaze dropped to the floor. “’Tis nae the way I wanted things to be.”
