Page 85 of Highland Sword
Somewhere along the way, Aidan had found a match between his ability and his passion. He knew what he could do, what he was good at. He could see a future for himself. He knew how he could be a valued member of society.
Politics, however, was a distraction that he’d gladly do without. To stand for election wasn’t a need but more of an obligation. Serving as a member of Parliament was a position someone else could fill. There were a dozen persons more qualified than he was. He’d happily forego hisplace in Cinaed’s plans if that was what kept Morrigan from accepting him. He’d give up everything and start anew, so long as she was beside him.
After she left him in the drawing room, he’d spent a great deal of time thinking about what she said. Guilt weighed heavily on him, for the truth had been looking him in the face all along. He’d never pursued the reason for Morrigan reacting in such a way to her uncle. At the same time, he accepted her belief that she had to deal with Wemys in her own way. It was her fight.
Aidan loved her because of who she was, inside and outside. Her will, her strength of character, saw her through this trial. Now he had to convince her that the strength of their combined will, their love for each other, would destroy any threat from the likes of Sir Rupert Burney. If they were divided, then they gave up that control over their lives. Then Burney would win. Aidan was not about to let the scoundrel dictate their future.
He loved her. He had no doubt that she cared for him as well. More than cared for him. He saw it in her face, heard it in the note of anguish in her words.
Tonight, he would find her and finish their discussion.
The celebration of Hogmanay was well underway. The Great Hall was brimming with the Mackintosh clan and their invited guests. The laird had been brought down, but he was pale and weak. Acting for him, Cinaed and Isabella hosted the festivities. Still, Lachlan had been keen to introduce Aidan to a number of landowners who came to dine with the laird and the son of Scotland.
Morrigan was nowhere to be found. He’d searched the hall, looking to see if she was sitting with Maisie and Niall. Nothing. And she wasn’t with Fiona and her daughters, who were sharing a table with Auld Jean and John Gordon. Blair and Sebastian were carousing with atable of Mackintosh fighters, but Morrigan was not with them either. It pained him to think she wouldn’t come down and enjoy the company of her family and friends on a night like this.
Aidan had looked for her in the training yard several times today, only to be told she hadn’t been there. She wasn’t in the drawing room, nor in the library. He’d checked everywhere except her bedchamber. If she was choosing to take refuge there, he wasn’t going to intrude on her desire for solitude. Not yet, anyway.
People were settling down for dinner, and workers were carrying food out from the kitchens on great platters. Aidan was expected to join Cinaed and his wife at their table. He’d already been warned that an announcement would be made during the meal about the seat in Parliament, and Aidan was expected to say a few words.
“Has Miss Drummond fallen ill?” he asked Isabella privately.
“No, she’s in perfect health.”
“Why isn’t she coming down to dinner?”
“She’s already here.”
Aidan was relieved to have a fellow conspirator in Isabella. He looked in the direction that the young physician nodded.
At the table closest to the kitchens, Morrigan sat with some people that he suspected were from the village. Her back was to him. She didn’t see him approach.
“May I join you at this table for dinner?” he addressed everyone and not only her.
Good-natured greetings met him. The people of Dalmigavie had come to know him over these past months. He stood behind Morrigan, but he needn’t have. Everyone knew where he wanted to sit. Men and woman cheerfullyslid down to make room. A moment later, he climbed over the bench and sat beside her.
“Miss Drummond.” He smiled at her surprised expression. The prettiest of blushes reddened her cheeks.
She looked over her shoulder. “Mr. Grant, I believe you’re expected to dine with Cinaed and Isabella.”
“I don’t think they’ll mind. They know where I am.” He waved across the room at Isabella, and she waved back.
“I’m certain there are a number of guests here who were looking forward to spending time with you.”
“That may be true, Miss Drummond, but I don’t care to spend time with them. Excuse me for a moment.” The couple seated beside him wanted to know the present whereabouts of the Chattan brothers. He answered them and turned his attention back to Morrigan.
“You’re supposed to give a speech,” she murmured. “You can’t do it from here.”
“I can and I shall, so long as you stand with me.”
“I’ll do no such thing.”
“Then there will be no speech.”
“You’re being ridiculous, sir,” she growled. “I believe I’ll change tables. Move.”
“Then I’ll be forced to follow you. And if you move from there, I’ll do it again. And if you decide to leave the hall, then everyone will wonder where we’re going, because I’ll not be quiet about leaving.”
Her eyes sparkled, reflecting the candlelight from the chandeliers above. He was pleased to see that she was wearing the necklace he’d given her yesterday. The blue dress she wore accentuated the color of the gem on the hilt of the sword.
