Aidam hadn’t expected that, but he could not argue with his uncle’s logic—at least partly so. From a purely practical point, it did make sense to marry a younger woman. But why did it have to beHeloise?
“She’s quite lovely,” Laird Sinclair continued. Aidam bristled. He knew it was true but did not enjoy hearing his uncle say it. “Ye cannae tell me ye’ve been blind to that.”
“Nay,” Aidam said quietly. “Nay, that I cannae. But, Uncle, dinnae ye think a lass should get a chance to marry for love?”
To his surprise and annoyance, his uncle laughed. “Love! Och, Aidam, I thought ye a wiser man than all that.”
Aidam grimaced. He’d always known that his uncle didn’t love his now-deceased aunt, but…well, that didn’t mean love didn’t exist. After all, Aidam’s parents had truly loved each other.
If they hadn’t, they might still be here.
He pushed the thought away. “My Laird, love exists,” he said. “I dinnae ken much, but I ken that.”
In response, the Laird continued to laugh. “Fondness exists, tae be sure. Attraction exists, tae be sure. Aye, ‘tis true Heloise is bonny and pleasant. She’ll make a good wife. Anything more is asking too much. May I tell ye a secret?”
Aidam nodded reluctantly, and the Laird moved in close.
“Love is a game that women play to hurt ye,” Laird Sinclair whispered in Aidam’s ear. “It’s weakness. Be content with yerself and a solid companion for ye bedsport. ‘Tis all a lad needs, and ye’ll never get hurt.”
At that, it was clear to Aidam he was dismissed. He nodded his head and walked out of the room. He’d heard rumors that his aunt, Lady Sinclair, had perhaps been unfaithful. Was that where his uncle’s jaded advice sprung from? He never knew the older man was so turned away from love. Aidam’s heart hurt for Heloise. A marriage to his uncle would kill her fire, her passion, and most of all, her spirit. He knew not how to stop the marriage. He only knew he must try. He did not want to make an enemy of his uncle, but he could not allow the man to destroy Heloise.
Aidam wished with all his heart that Laird Sinclair had chosen another target for his new bride.
