Lucas pursed his lips, eyeing him. His eyebrows twitched in a way that was almost approving.
“Is that so?” he said. “As far as I recall, ye sent her away.”
Aiden closed his eyes. “I had to.”
“Did ye?”
“Aye!”
Lucas grunted and crossed the room to the whiskey cabinet. After opening it, he rifled through it, humming to himself. He took out two glasses and poured a generous measure of whiskey into each.
Aiden frowned. “Is that… Ye told me there was none left.”
“Aye, there’s plenty.” Lucas chuckled. “Nae a patch on Hannah’s stuff, eh?”
“Nay,” Aiden agreed mechanically, watching him swirl the liquid in the glasses.
Turning, Lucas offered him the larger of the two glasses. “A peace offering,” he murmured, with a faint smile. “I suppose I was too sharp with ye. I just cannae stand ye being so miserable, lad. We have always been friends. And matters of the heart can be… can be bad.”
Aiden opened his mouth, and Lucas waved away whatever he was going to say with a dismissive hand. “Aye, aye, ye are about to tell me that yer heart isnae involved. And I’ll accept it. Ye ken yerself whether it’s right or wrong. I willnae argue with ye. But do what ye must to make yerself happy, Aiden. Ye deserve it.”
He took a swig of his own whiskey and gestured for Aiden to do the same.
Aiden stared into his glass for a long moment. Then, slowly, he shook his head.
Lucas arched his eyebrows. “Nay?”
“Nay,” Aiden echoed. “I need a clear head to ride. Nay more whiskey.”
Lucas’s eyes widened. “Ride?”
“Aye, ride. Get me horse saddled and ready, Lucas. I am going to pay Hannah a visit.” Aiden paused, smiling wryly, feeling hope and excitement bubble up inside him. Maybe it was a mistake. Either way, he intended to find out. “She still owes me something.”
24
Aspider had begun to spin a web across her ceiling. Hannah watched its efforts with mild curiosity.
Wasn’t there some old tale about a man watching a spider swing across the pitched roof of his tent? She couldn’t recall. Couldn’t recall much of anything.
She shifted, trying to find a more comfortable spot. Apparently, no such comfortable spot existed. Her straw mattress creaked, and the old ropes of her bed threatened to snap apart at any moment, dumping her on the floor.
On the dusty, unswept floor thatshehad not swept for the better part of a week.
In fact, Hannah had done no chores whatsoever after she had returned from MacBain Castle. Sure enough, shortly after she’d left, a procession was seen tramping away from the castle, takingAiden with them. He was going back to his beloved Calder Castle, just like he’d said he would.
Nay doubt he’s happy now.
As promised, Lucas had seen her home. She remembered little of the journey. They’d ridden in silence, despite his attempts to make conversation. When he’d finally deposited her at her doorway, he’d paused, glancing down at her with obvious worry.
“Are ye well, lass?” he’d asked, somewhat warily.
Hannah could still recall how she’d flashed a bright, insincere smile up at him. “Well? Never better,” she’d responded lightly. “I feel wonderful.”
He’d flinched, as if she’d hurled an insult at him or maybe a handful of wet sod. He’d made no reply for a minute or two, only staring down at her, worrying his lower lip. At last, he’d sighed, shaking his head.
“Ye shouldnae have left him,” he’d muttered, quietly enough that she’d thought he might have been talking to himself.
“I didnae leave him,” she’d shot back. “Hesent me away. I had nay choice.”
