19
"Chloe , there you are," Izzy said as she poked her head around the corner of the bookshelf. Chloe 's eyes widened with shock. She jumped back, shocked by Izzy's sudden appearance. "I have been looking everywhere for you."
"Why?"Chloe asked as she glanced around the room. Izzy made her smile the biggest she could make it and nestled in the sliver of space next to Chloe .
"Haveyou noticed how everyone in this castle seems to have a grudge against Aaron, yet none of them really know why they think that way?" Izzy asked as she took note of the stack of books next to Chloe . Nodding her head, Chloe stared at Izzy.
"I've been tryin'to get people to see that me brother isnae so bad, but nay one seems to want to listen to me," Chloe said. Izzy didn't think her smile could stretch any further, but somehow, itdid. She inched closer to Chloe , trying to contain the excitement brewing within her.
"What if wehad a party out in the garden for the children? Maybe we could get a few piglets and some ducks to roam about, and let the children touch them and have fun."
Chloe 's eyeswidened as a light came on within her. "And we can have ax throwin' as well as dunkin' for apples. Oh, and what if we got Daisy to bake some pies for an eatin' contest?"
Izzy nodded her head.Every idea that Chloe spit out was golden. It didn't take long before Izzy had an idea of exactly the sort of party they were going to throw.
"But ye kenme brother willnae allow it. He thinks these sort of things are wasteful," Chloe grumbled as she dropped her shoulders in defeat.
"What if Itold you that Aaron promised we can do whatever we think is best?" Izzy asked, trying to share some of her hope and optimism with Chloe .
Chloe eyed her suspiciously."And what exactly did ye promise to give him in return for such a favor?"
Izzy gavea little shrug as she thought of her last moments with Aaron. Her body quivered thinking of the way he felt between her legs. How she wanted him there again, even if it was just for a moment. It was those fleeting moments she craved the most.
"A kiss,"Izzy answered. "I'm certain I can get the Laird to agree to almost anything for a kiss."
Chloe foldedher arms over her chest and shook her head. "And did ye already pay in full?"
"That I did,"Izzy answered as she tried to keep the thrill of the memory out of her tone.
"And ye'recertain he'll nae back out of it? Me brother is a slippery one. He'll get ye to think he's sold ye all the gold in the world and find a way to swindle seventy-five percent back."
"He's madehis promise to me. And so far, I've no reason to believe he won't follow through with it. Aaron is an honorable man."
"Aye,"Chloe answered with a playful smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "But he's tricky too. Daenae let him use the past to get what he wants."
"I would never allow such a thing,"Izzy answered. A spark shimmered in Chloe 's eyes. It was as if she wholeheartedly agreed with everything Izzy said. "Besides, it's high time the people around here at the very least respect their laird. I'm tired of hearing the servants speaking ill of him."
"It'snae like ye can start a rumor that can reverse years of lies stacked like flap jacks against me brother," Chloe pointed out as her attention shifted to the window.
Izzy noddedas she gave a little shrug. "True, but that's why I need your help. You know these people better than I do. You'll know who we should invite that will make the biggest impression. The idea is to make your brother approachable instead of so…"
"Reclusive?"Chloe interjected, drawing a smile out of Izzy.
"Precisely.Tell me, has Aaron always been that way? Or is this something that's happened to him recently? I could understand wanting to pull away from society, but I wonder what that's done to you and your prospects."
"Prospects?"
"Surely you don't planto live out your life here with Aaron. Don't you want a family to call your own?" Izzy asked as she reached out a hand to comfort Chloe .
"Aye,but that's up to me brother. I daenae think he has any intentions of seein' me married off. He thinks that if he's content then that must mean everyone is. The man doesnae budge for anythin', let alone his little sister."
"By your tone,I'd say you have your eyes already set on someone," Izzy observed as her chest swelled. How delightful it was to be able to sit and gossip once again. For just a moment, Izzy felt as if she were back in the ton with the other girls chatting about what the Earl had said or done.
Izzy couldn't helpbut smile at the thought of how far she had come. She glanced at Chloe and watched a flush of color kiss Chloe 's cheeks.
"It'snae as if I can do anythin' about it. Or that he would do anythin'. He's too scared of me brother, and I wouldnae want him ridiculed before the clan because me brother thought it funny to humiliate him. Nay, things are best this way."
"Oh,don't you dare say that. This isn't the best for you. You should be living your life, not being tied up here. Tell you what, invite your fellow to the party. Maybe in a friendly environment you two could get better acquainted."
