Chapter Twelve
Ellie could tell the riding raised her spirits slightly, but it was really the riding with Aidam that brought her mood around almost completely. He was easy company, and at the moment, that was exactly what she needed. He was easy on the eyes as well; seated upon his grey and white stallion, Pharas, he looked as though he were a knight off to fight a great battle. His racing form was excellent, and Ellie knew he was self-taught. Laird Sinclair would not have spent the money or the time to get Aidam lessons, not when there were battles that needed fighting and other attentions that took the laird from the keep. Nay, Aidam must have taught himself how to seat a horse properly, making Ellie even more impressed.
They slowed their race down once they made it through a light thicket of trees, and Ellie was surprised to see a small white cottage with a neat thatched roof and what appeared to be a well-kept kitchen garden.
“Where are we?” she asked, still breathless from their ride.
“We are at my cottage,” Aidam replied, jumping down from Pharas and moving toward her to help her down from Abel. She readily took his hand as if it were second nature to her, allowing him to guide her gently from the horse. She could have gotten down without his aide, but she was mesmerized by him.
How was it that he looked no more tousled than if he had taken a leisurely stroll through a garden? Especially when they had been racing through the trees only moments before. She could feel her own loose braids and haggard appearance. Not that she cared; the ride was exhilarating, and she would do it again in a heartbeat. Nevertheless, she reached down and smoothed the wrinkles in her skirt nervously.
“Wait,” she said, registering his words and snapping herself back into the present moment. “Your cottage? Whatever do you mean? Do you not live in the keep?”
“Aye, I spend most days and nights in the keep,” he replied, taking her hand and leading her into the main yard of the cottage, the horses tied comfortably to a nearby tree where there was water for them and a small stack of hay. “I am th’ heir, and Sinclair would not allow me tae sleep elsewhere for most of my younger years. But this cottage, this is my true home.”
“I don’t understand?” She looked around the yard, and upon seeing how nicely appointed it was up close, she knew someone was taking excellent care of the cottage. Could it be that Aidam was telling the truth?
Ellie smiled at his enthusiasm, right as her stomach growled. She certainly didn’t plan for being away from the castle. Damn her impulsive moods. She wrapped an arm around her bothersome stomach and looked up at Aidam sheepishly as he gave her a sly smile.
“Why don’t ye come inside, lass,” he said, opening the door. “I’ll make us some food and tell ye everything. It’s a braw story tae be sure.”
Her stomach roared again at the mention of food, and she let out a small chuckle. “All right,” she replied. “Lead the way.”
The inside of the cottage was even more charming than the outside. It was clean and tidy, with finely done needlepoint hung over a stone mantel. Aidam guided her to a wooden rocking chair as he tended to the fire in the hearth and got the chill from the air before busying himself with the larder.
“Aidam,” she asked. “Ye said this is yer true home. Am I… Are we…?”
She could not keep herself from looking around the cozy room with awe. The cottage was the perfect place for a small family to live comfortably. There were blankets stacked in a handwoven basket in one corner and a sturdy table for dining with four chairs surrounding it in another. There were two doors that Ellie was sure led off to bed chambers along one wall and a bright window that looked over the garden yet still had plaid coverings to keep out rain or other weather, even if the windows were open. Did Aidam keep a woman here? Was he involved? Suddenly a warmth crept up Ellie’s cheeks. Until now, she had not allowed herself to think that he may have an attachment. Why did Aidam not have every right to live his life? He was young, handsome, and she would be foolish to think he lived this long without a woman.
Stop it,she thought, chastising herself.It’s none of my concern if he does.Ellie began to cough and choke to cover her uncomfortable inquiry.
“Are ye asking if I keep a woman here, Ellie?”
Of course, he would see through her to her true thoughts.Might as well come clean, she told herself.
“Aye,” she replied.
“The short answer is nay,” he said, setting a plate of bread and cheeses in front of her before pouring her a small glass of wine.
“And the long answer?” She took a tentative sip. She should have stopped, satisfied with his first answer, but she found she wanted to know more. No, not wanted to know. She needed to know more. What did he mean? Could she allow that what she was feeling was jealousy? She wasn’t sure, but she was sure she was holding her breath, waiting for him to answer. Aidam took a long sip of wine and leaned back in his chair, muscular arms folded over his chest. She wanted to smack the knowing smile from his lips. Ellie knew that he knew she was nervous and why, and he was enjoying it. “Ye don’t have tae tell me,” she said. “In fact, forget I asked. I thank ye for th’ food.”
She picked up a piece of bread and laid a piece of cheese across the top before taking a bite and lowering her gaze.
“Ellie,” Aidam said, now laughing. “This is nay a cottage where I bring women.”
“Like I said, ‘tis none of my concern what ye do.” She casually brushed a stray strand of hair aside as if to emphasize her point. However, regardless of her bravado, she was thoroughly embarrassed now and wished he would speak on any other topic.
“Och, ye’re a stubborn woman,” he said. “This cottage was me mother and father’s. ‘Tis where I was born. I keep it up because, well, because I have fond memories.” Her eyes widened. He gave her a shrug of his shoulders, and Ellie instantly warmed. She could not remember Aidam ever speaking about his parents.
“How is it that I’ve kent ye almost me whole life and I dae nae remember ye ever speaking about yer mam and da?” She asked.
“I dae nae ken,” he replied. Ellie noticed his tone was suddenly serious and reflective. “I guess, ye never asked, and I never offered. Why would ye be interested in learnin’ about me parents?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Ellie replied. It hurt a bit to think that he would not think her interested in his life, his past. But then again, did they ever have that type of friendship? “Will ye tell me now?”
He looked up from his plate of food and smiled before looking around the room. “They were happy here,” he said. “My mother and father. They didn’t care about the differences in their stations. They only wanted a home filled with love and laughter. For the most part, it was what we had. For a time at least.”
“Yer mother is the Laird’s sister, so she was a lady?”
