Page 45 of A Two-Faced Laird
“Do you remember the time I caught him with a pair of scissors he had stolen from the kitchen?” Edina asked, chuckling. “It was the only time I remember that he ever did anything naughty. He didn’t realise I had seen him, and he was very surprised when I asked him what he was going to do with them. He told me he was going to cut off my pigtail because I had broken his favourite toy soldier, General Stewart, who was commander of the whole regiment!”
“And you never told my father,” Aidan said admiringly.
“No, but there was a reason for that,” Edina told him. “I blackmailed him for years!”
Aidan threw back his head and laughed heartily at that, then looked down at Edina lovingly. “Only you could cheer me up at a time like this. What am I going to do without you?”
It took every ounce of willpower she had, but Edina smiled at him.
“You will go on with your life and be happy with your bride,” she told him, in a voice that was valiantly trying to stay cheerful. “What is she like? I have seen her from afar, but never met her.”
“Are you sure you want to know?” Aidan asked, frowning.
“I know it seems strange,” Edina answered, “but it will give me some kind of consolation to know that the man I love is marrying a good woman.”
Aidan sighed. “What can I say?” he began. “I have never heard a bad word about her, but she does nothing for me. I will do my duty to her and be a faithful husband, but I will never love her as I love you.”
Edina gave him a brave smile, but her heart was breaking.
“One day you will have children. Two little girls and two little boys.”
“I don’t want boys,” he said firmly. “Only girls. Boys only become pawns in successions and inheritance wars. My poor brother had so many expectations weighing on him since the day he was born because he was heir to the estate that it eventually crushed him. Everyone thought he drank so much because he became involved with a crowd of criminals, but that is only part of the reason.
The pressure of the responsibility that my father placed on him made his life a living hell, and he was trying to run away from it. Drink was his escape. When he was drunk, he escaped into a world where nothing mattered; where he was happy. Instead of being made to keep accounts and go to endless meetings, trade fairs and all the other duties involved in being a Laird, he could be happy. He told me that when he was drunk, he went into another world where nothing outside mattered. Even the headaches the next morning did not discourage him. He could take some willow bark tea to soothe those.
I was not a hero for escaping all that, Edina. I did not have to carry the burden my brother did, so it was much easier for me toget away. I felt like such a traitor for telling my father how bad the problem had become, but I think he was coming to the same conclusion. I suppose you know the rest of what happened.”
“My father told me,” she said. “But our parents are the only people who know the truth, Aidan, and I think that was because they had to.”
Aidan sighed. “Enough, my love,” he murmured. “We have such a short time together. Let us make the most of it.”
Edina felt him stroke her hair, then his hand travelled down her body, and he kissed her, and in another moment they were lost in each other again.
“You sent for me, M’Laird?”Edina asked, as she stood in front of Laird Findlay the next morning.
The Laird narrowed his eyes and looked her up and down.
“I did, Edina.” He sounded a little regretful.
Many things are changing for him too,Edina thought.
“You know that Aidan is betrothed now?” he asked.
Edina bristled. Did she think she was stupid?
“Of course I do,” she replied. “Even if I had not been told by my father, the news is all over the castle.”
“Then you know that Aidan’s bride is coming to live here,” he went on, “and it would be better if you moved somewhere else.”
“Are you throwing me out?” Edina asked silkily. A feeling of trepidation stole over her.
The Laird hesitated. He had backed himself into a corner and was unable to say yes or no.
“Not exactly,” he replied awkwardly. “I merely wanted to warn you. You may stay if you wish, but it might be unpleasantfor everyone, if you are truly in love with my son. It will also be uncomfortable for him and his wife to see you every day, too.”
“I had thought of that,” Edina told him. “I’m making arrangements to solve the problem.”
The Laird raised his eyebrows, looking interested. “Tell me more,” he said.
