Page 13 of The Laird’s Unwanted Wife (Legacy of Highland Lairds #5)

S arah arrived with very little fanfare from the kinsfolk living within MacLiddel keep.

Mollie, however, made it seem as if she were the long-lost sister of some great clan, with the way she sprinted across the freshly powdered ground to greet her.

Aileen couldn’t help but smile brightly at Mollie’s giggling squeals, immediately throwing herself into Sarah’s arms the moment she dismounted her horse.

“Gracious! I’m happy to see ye too, Mollie.” Sarah then immediately turned to Aileen, her own smile filled with relief. “I’m happy to see ye as well, Aileen.”

“Likewise, Sarah,” Aileen said.

Once further greetings were exchanged, Aileen immediately led Sarah into the castle proper, crossing paths with Gerald as they approached the front entrance. “Gerald,” Aileen began, taking Mollie into her arms. “This is Sarah Anderson, former housekeeper within MacGunn’s territory.”

Gerald’s brow rose as Sarah offered a bow in respect. “Housekeeper? Aileen failed to mention that part.”

“It was a more recent promotion, me Laird,” Sarah replied politely. “I only just now informed Lady Aileen.”

“Unfortunate timing, what with yer previous laird’s betrayal of the other major lairds,” Gerald continued. “I cannae imagine yer very pleased to be placed back down to the rank of simple maid.”

Aileen’s eyes widened, a nervous knot beginning to form in her stomach.

It was obvious what Gerald was trying to do, and while it made perfect sense for him to probe Sarah regarding her loyalties, it still felt horribly wrong.

She opened her mouth to defend her friend, only for Sarah to beat her to it.

“Aye, it was admittedly upsetting to discover me former laird’s underhanded treachery.

” Again, Sarah offered a bow, this time adding a curtsy and a hint of roughness to her voice.

“While I did enjoy the comforts and new responsibilities that came with the title of housekeeper, I would much rather serve in a lower position to a laird who has his honor. Especially one who has so graciously cared for me dear friends.”

Aileen turned back to Gerald, her nerves jangling and the cold skittering across her skin.

He seemed to stare at Sarah for what felt like forever, with an unreadable, stone-set expression on his face.

It was only when Mollie let out a boisterous sneeze that he seemed to snap out of his laird’s demeanor.

“Ah, apologies, Mollie. Ye ran out so fast, ye didnae have time to take a coat.” Gerald stepped aside, gesturing within the keep. “Go on and find a hearth to warm yerself next to, then find Ms. Blair and get into yer dress for the wedding.”

“All right!” She wiggled free from Aileen’s grasp, scurrying under the door’s arch with Bannock trotting behind. She then paused, looking back at Sarah curiously. “Come on, Sarah! I want to show ye how pretty me dress is! It’s way better than the one Laird Carswell picked for us.”

Aileen watched as her friend remained in place, looking to Gerald for approval first. That seemed to impress the Laird enough, as he added afterward, “Aye, Miss Anderson. Go and do as Mollie has asked. Then have Ms. Blair escort ye to Aileen’s room to aid in her own wedding preparations.”

“As ye wish, me Laird.” Sarah then stepped past Gerald and took Mollie’s hand, pleasantly engaging the little girl as she spoke rapidly about everything—and anything—that came to mind.

“Yer instinct to find her was spot on,” Gerald said as Aileen entered the main hall next, closing the door behind as he continued to watch Sarah and Mollie down the hall. “She kens exactly where she stands among the staff.”

“I truly didnae ken she’d been promoted,” Aileen began, only for Gerald to shake his head.

“It worked in her favor, actually. She made no indication of wishin’ to replace Ms. Blair, and seemed to understand she was a stranger amidst the clan.

” Gerald nodded with certainty, his arms crossing loosely over his chest. “Even if her speech were somewhat flowery, she meant what she said about workin’ for an honorable laird.

Yer trust in her makes perfect sense. I think she’ll be an excellent addition to the castle’s staff. ”

That reassurance lifted a huge weight from Aileen’s shoulders.

Even so, some of her nerves remained, and as Gerald offered a hand in escorting her back to her room, she could only linger on his words from breakfast. “Do … do ye really think Marcus’ old council will let this marriage occur without issue? ”

Gerald snorted loudly. “Gods nay. I’m certain they’ll try to kick up some form of fuss.

And they’ll be welcome to, so long as they daenae try to harm anyone.

” Something mischievous flashed behind the Laird’s eyes, and Aileen found herself strangely drawn to it.

He so very clearly wanted the council to try something, perhaps as an excuse to enact an ounce of revenge against the people who had worked for the man who nearly ran the Highlands into the ground.

“I thought ye were serious when ye spoke to Mollie about being the bigger man,” Aileen inquired.

“Aye, I was quite serious,” Gerald insisted. “Though there is a stark difference between rising above and allowing oneself to be stepped on. Perhaps today, I’ll show ye the difference between the two, sweet wife.”

Truthfully—though she would never admit it out loud—Aileen hoped to see the Laird do just that.

Hate was a strong word to use, but she certainly didn’t wish an easy life upon the men who made her and her sister’s lives so difficult.

If her soon-to-be husband would give them a difficult time, Aileen certainly wasn’t interested in coming to their defense.

“Suppose ye might, dear husband. Suppose ye might.”

Her marriage began to feel far more tangible once she was in the dress proper. Aileen looked at herself from every angle, the beautifully verdant cloth cut and sized to perfectly accent her body’s best features. She smoothed her hand down her waist, grimacing slightly at how thin she still was.

“Oh, I see that look on yer face!” Sarah playfully slapped Aileen’s hand aside, straightening the fabric with a reassuring grin.

“Ye look lovely, Aileen. Far better than that other dress of yers. I mean, red?” Sarah shook her head with a scoff.

“What sort of fool pairs hair as lovely as yers with red? It would completely wash ye out! And it would only redden yer face in an unflatterin’ manner. ”

Aileen couldn’t help but giggle lightly, letting go of her compulsion to continue tugging at her dress. Of course, Sarah knew exactly what to say to make her feel better. She had everything completely under control. “If only ye were with me at Carswell’s.”

“If I were, I wouldnae have allowed ye to marry that brute of a man.” Sarah’s scowl was audible in her tone, fixing one of the florals along the hem. “Did these come with the dress?”

“Mollie added them on,” Aileen explained.

“Ah, that does sound like something she’d do,” Sarah chuckled warmly. She then stood upright and stepped back, getting a full look at her handiwork. “Aye, that looks perfect! A beautiful queen of the evergreens amidst this wintry wonderland.”

Aileen genuinely believed the ‘beautiful’ part this time around, giving a quick spin on her heel as the dress fluttered outward, much to Sarah’s delight. “Ah! Absolutely perfect! Now, go and sit by the hearth so I can get yer hair done up.”

Aileen obliged, taking a seat as Sarah immediately started in on her hair. Her fingers were a blur, weaving tight braids that eventually blended into a partial bun. She occasionally strung subtle florals between the braids, creating the illusion of a beautiful tiara placed on Aileen’s head.

“So, then,” Sarah began with a conspiratorial smirk. “Now that Mollie’s nae houndin’ me like me own personal shadow … how has Laird MacLiddel been?”

Aileen’s brow furrowed slightly. “How has he been?” She pursed her lips, her head bobbling slightly as Sarah tugged on a particularly stubborn knot in her hair.

“I … suppose he’s been good, all things considered.

I cannae imagine handling the betrayal of a dear companion as well as he had.

Gracious, it’d be like having ye betray me, Sarah. ”

“Aye, right,” Sarah agreed, clearly not interested in the topic. “But that’s nae what I was referring to!”

How had he been? “Well, he’s been very kind to Mollie, that’s for certain. Went as far as to promise her whatever life she’d like. Did ye ken he wrote to clan MacDonnell to invite their hound master here? All to help Mollie learn proper training for Bannock,”

“Aileen Hughes, ye ken very well what I’m askin’ ye!” Sarah’s voice jumped an octave, and she covered her mouth with sheepish giggling. Aileen gave her friend a bemused look, uncertain why she was acting like a bashful lass during her first cèilidh amidst handsome lads her own age.

The comparison barely formed in her mind when realization struck at last, and Aileen’s face turned bright red. “Oh— oh! Sarah, nay! Ye cannae ask such personal questions!”

“I absolutely can!” Sarah insisted. “As yer closest friend and personal maid, me business is yer business, and me business in this moment is to ensure yer new husband satisfies every part of yer marriage.”

Nervous laughter escaped Aileen’s throat as she tried to shake her head, only for Sarah to chastise her with a tug of her hair. “Sorry,” Aileen said, settling back into her chair as her friend continued to braid her hair. “It’s just … he hasnae asked that sort of thing from me.”

Brief memories of last night’s kiss skittered across her mind, and she did her best to push them to the back. It wasn’t a topic to discuss with Sarah—that was a conversation meant between her and her soon-to-be husband. At some point, hopefully.

“Really?” Sarah asked, sounding incredibly disappointed. “He doesnae wish to be physical with ye at all?”

Aileen went to shake her head again, but stopped herself. “Nay. He … he doesnae wish for the typical marriage. All he wishes is for control over Marcus’ territory.”

An offended scoff escaped Sarah. “How horribly unromantic! And ye’re all right with this?”

Aileen shrugged her shoulders carefully. “He takes land I have nay interest in managing, and meself and Mollie are protected from further dangers. It’s a perfectly acceptable arrangement.”

“Perfectly horrid, if ye ask me,” Sarah mumbled under her breath.

“Though … I suppose if I had to choose between this and Laird Carswell, this arrangement is far superior.” She offered a hand to Aileen, helping her to her feet as she inspected her work fully.

“Laird MacLiddel’s mad for thinkin’ he can resist yer charms. Ye look like the fair folk’s queen, Aileen! ”

Aileen’s blush grew hotter, offering a shy smile Sarah’s way. “It’s all yer handiwork, Sarah.”

“Well, nay. I can hardly take credit for such a perfect canvas to work on.” Sarah exhaled lightly as she gestured toward the door. “Ye ready to work yer charm on yer betrothed?”

“Ye put far too much faith in me,” Aileen laughed.

“Nay! I ken ye well, Aileen, and ye have far more persuasive power than ye think,” Sarah replied with a wink.

Did she, really? Aileen rolled the compliment around in her head; she had come this far in life somehow or another, so perhaps her friend was right.

It was a nice thought, believing she had some control over her marriage.

To have a genuine romance with her husband …

it was something Aileen had dared to hope for all her life.

Marcus hardly seemed interested in such trivial matters, but, then again, Marcus was no longer involved in her life.

From here on out, everything would be up to Aileen herself.