was sure what she’d done was wholly innocent, but he needed to hear it from her. He was merely curious, not a jealous, love-sick lout.
“That’s Betsy’s husband. He came up to the castle to thank me for the food hamper and linen for new clothes for his children. I told him they’ll never be in need. I feel so bad, Aedan. It’s like her blood’s on my hands.”
“Nay, lass. ’Tis not.” He wanted to hold her, give her comfort, no matter where they were, but Aline emerging from the castle halted his impulse.
“Good morning, Aline. I hope you’re finding yer time here well worth the visit,” Aedan said.
Aline looked at Abigail with disdain, and he frowned. The woman was as sharp as his dirk.
“It is a beautiful day, is it not,” she said, not bothering to include Abigail in their conversation. “Would ye walk me down to the games, Aedan? I want to watch every event, being it is the last day.”
Abigail smiled. “Yes, what a shame we’ll not have you here to grace our presence anymore, Aline. You’ve been such wonderful company to be around. You’ll be sorely missed.”
Abigail leaned up and kissed Aedan’s cheek. “I’m going to lie down for a while. I’ll see you at lunch.” Aedan stared at Abigail’s retreating back, smiling at her candor. She was as refreshing as chilled water. Aline made a strangled sound that resembled a wild animal caught in a trap, and he fought to not laugh.
“What vulgar friends your sister has. I’m sure you should never invite her again to yer home.”
He shook his head, knowing how wrong the woman before him was. Abigail was the best of people. Granted, she came from the future, her life easier in many ways, and yet not. She had no parents, had been given to people as a child who really did not care to know her. Had lived through the death of her partner, and yet still had room for him in her heart.
Aye, she was outspoken, fiery, too, but so was he. She was perfect for him in every way, unlike the woman standing before him. Aline was the veriest she-devil if ever there was one. “Abigail Cross will always be welcome in my home. We’re to announce our betrothal tonight.”
A tinge of guilt stabbed his gut at the girl’s crestfallen visage, but at her next words his moment of weakness disappeared.
“Ye cannot marry her. She’s not even Scottish, no matter what she says her ancestry is.”
He shrugged, walking toward the games that were about to commence. “I care not.” He slowed his steps to allow the girl to keep up. “She could be a thatcher’s daughter and I’d still marry her. She’s the best woman I know.”
Aline scoffed. “I must admit, since we’re speaking so candidly, that I’m shocked by this turn of events. Father will be disappointed to hear this.”
Aedan stopped before the viewing platform the women and older clansmen were using to observe the games. “He may discuss the matter with me after dinner tonight, although I fail to see how this concerns him.”
“I would think a man who’s about to do battle with Clan O’Cain would be securing as many alliances as he could.”
“Are ye suggesting that because I haven’t asked for your hand in marriage I’ll lose the support of your father’s clan?” Aedan knew marrying Abigail could possibly sever the ties he’d formed over the years, but Scotland was full of clans, some helpful, some not. And he had many fighting men, more than enough to keep his home and people safe. Aline’s threat was weak and showed a spitefulness that he’d only had glimpses of until now.
“Talk to Father yourself and see. And best wishes for your future, I fear ye may need as much luck as ye can get.”
Aedan bowed. “Thank you. You’re acceptance and generosity in my future happiness shows how much breeding and ladylike temperament you possess.” His voice dripped sarcasm before he turned and headed for the weight-over-the-bar event, leaving Aline gaping after him.
Later that night a servant ushered Aline’s father, the Laird of Grant, into his anteroom. He stood, beckoning him to sit, before he, too, took his seat.
The large clansmen looked flushed in the face, his hair ruffled and sticking up. Aedan waited for him to speak, not the least interested in the forthcoming conversation. His mind was set, he would marry Abigail and be damned anyone who dared to step in his way.