“He wanted to see what’s been going on in the village,” Hannah explained. “Frankly, people arenae nearly as generous with the man as they should be. He’s nae a monster.” She hesitated. “Well, nae to everyone.”
Her friend shook his head at her. “I hope ye ken what ye’re doing, whatever it is, Hannah.”
“I’m sure I do. He’s helping me sister. She’s got color in her cheeks again. He’s going to try to help the rest of the village, too.” She said it firmly.
She also couldn’t help feeling a little tug of impatience for the next visit. She would keep telling herself that it was because she was grateful for Aiden’s help. Because she didn’t want to risk him withdrawing that help if she disappointed him with the whiskey.
That didn’t mean she wasn’t fully aware that she was lying to herself.
11
The next day saw Aiden strolling into MacBain Castle, boots heavy on the flagstone as he glanced around. It looked similar enough to his own castle, albeit much larger. The MacBain crest hung above the entryway, and an impressive pair of antlers hung on another wall. It was sparse, but not ill-appointed.
A guard at the door stepped in front of him and put his hand on his sword. “State yer business.”
He was young. His voice had just barely grown beyond the crack of youth, and he was trying to keep it even. He wasn’t doing a great job.
“I wouldnae forbid yer Laird from entering his own castle, were I ye,” Aiden said flatly, staring him down.
The guard paled when he glanced down at the signet ring Aiden wore, and he immediately darted out of the way with a bow.
“Apologies,” he stammered hoarsely.
“As ye were.”
Aiden continued walking through the castle, hearing the whispers beginning to spread. The stares and glares he received reminded him of the villagers earlier.
I can only hope there are a few Hannahs in the crowd, folks who’ll speak their mind to me face, rather than behind me back. Although in the past, those who spoke their minds have always been punished. So perhaps nae so likely.
As he made his way through the main hall, young scullery maids bolted out of the way with hasty curtsies, and a footman nearly tripped over himself to bow.
Aiden ignored them all. He had no need at the moment for maids and housekeepers and other such extra staff that he hadn’t needed at Calder. He supposed he would find a use for them in this much larger castle.
As he walked, scanning every inch of his new home, he saw a crop of red hair hurrying toward him. He stopped, crossing his arms and waiting. Moments later, Theodore came into view.
“Me Laird?”
“Aye,” Aiden said with a nod. “I chose nae to wait for next month to see that ye’ve obeyed me command.” He crossed his arms, studying the other man.
Theodore’s frown was deep for just a moment, but then he smiled as if he were happy to see him. “Welcome.” He bowed swiftly.
Aiden turned his head, seeing a maid lurking nearby, wide-eyed. “Ye. Prepare me chambers.”
The maid nodded her head and curtseyed quickly. “Aye, me Laird,” she squeaked, before scampering down the hall.
“Are we to assume ye’re going to be staying here from now on?” Theodore asked carefully as he examined his face, blue eyes glimmering with what Aiden assumed was curiosity.
He paused, remembering Hannah’s determination. The way she’d stared him down even as her lip quivered. The way she’d pushed the whiskey bottle into his chest until he’d taken it. Less of an offer and more of a silent command. The way she had faced three bandits alone on the road, where she had no business being in the first place.
It was part of the reason why he’d changed castles. MacBain was closer, and the road was safer. But his man-at-arms didn’t need to know any of that.
“Aye,” he said instead. “For as long as it takes.”
His footsteps were heavy as he continued down the hall to his bedchamber without another word, leaving Theodore staring after him.
12
At the distillery the next morning, Hannah was overseeing the boys filling clay bottles with the whiskey they’d finished distilling the day before. She’d done very well in not thinking about Aiden, too.
